Written Answers Nos. 694-713
694. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department intends to undertake a review of the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 and the 2018 regulations associated with the Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66167/25]
View answerOn 1 August 2025, all policy and legislative responsibility for the Dog Breeding Establishments Act (2010) transferred to my Department. Local authorities retain responsibility for all operational and enforcement matters. Inspections of dog breeding establishments are carried out by my Department and by local authority dog wardens
The Dog Control Stakeholder Group was established last year to consider policy and legislative matters, specifically the Dog Control Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act. The group’s remit includes considering the need for legislative change. I am committed to reviewing all legislation relating to dogs and in this regard will be guided by the recommendations of the Dog Control Stakeholder Group. I expect the group to revert to me with recommendations on the matter in due course.
695. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his response to an investigation by organisations (details supplied) regarding the availability of anti-biotics in Brazil; if they have raised such with their European counterparts with regard to the Mercosur Trade Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66291/25]
View answerReports from the investigation referenced into the sale of hormones and antibiotics in Brazil raise important issues and merit careful examination.
We know that Brazilian beef already enters the EU market, and it is therefore important to ensure that none of the unregulated products referenced in the investigation are used in its production. While there is no evidence that this is the case, these reports reinforce the need for continued vigilance.
The EU has very stringent standards, known as SPS (sanitary and phytosanitary) standards, to protect human, animal and plant health. These are amongst the highest in the world, and the European Commission has insisted that they are not negotiable.
The Government is very firmly of the view that these EU SPS standards must continue to be rigorously upheld for the benefit of European consumers. It is also important that the European Commission continues to engage with the Brazilian authorities to ensure that this is the case.
Throughout the EU-Mercosur negotiation process, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade - who has lead responsibility for trade policy - and I have actively engaged with both the European Commission and with other Member States to voice Ireland’s concerns in relation to the EU-Mercosur Agreement.
Since my appointment as Minister earlier this year, I have raised these concerns at Agri-Fish Council meetings and also with like-minded Member States through bilateral meetings on the margins of these Council meetings. In recent months, I have met with my French, Austrian, Latvian and Polish counterparts to exchange views. Most recently, I have met with my Italian and French counterparts en marge of the November Agri-Fish Council meeting in Brussels.
696. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the formation of a new panel for technical agricultural officers within his Department while there are persons on an existing panel still available and willing to take up positions if offered; the persons which will be offered a vacant position should it arise within the time it takes to form a new panel; the likelihood of persons currently on or near the top of the panel to be offered a position before the end of 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65205/25]
View answerMy Department is committed to ensuring that a skilled and motivated workforce is in place to meet its priority business needs. To achieve this, workforce planning is utilised in identifying and addressing the needs across all our locations.
Recruitment is currently underway in the Department and posts continue to be filled through several mechanisms, including advertisements by Public Jobs and by my Department’s Human Resources Division.
To support my Department's requirements within the Technical Agricultural Officer role, a competition was undertaken by Public Jobs (previously Public Appointment Services) in 2023 at the request of this Department. My Department continues to engage with Public Jobs to offer opportunities to candidates remaining on nationwide panels from this competition which is in place until the end of 2025.
My Department continues to draw from this competition to address vacancies arising in locations where candidates remain available for selection.
Additionally, my Department subsequently undertook a Technical Agricultural Officer competition in 2024 to address any potential anticipated shortfall in candidate availability in a number of locations, mitigating against possible delays to filling posts in locations where candidates were not available from the 2023 panel. My Department will continue to draw from this panel, which is still in place, to fill its vacancies within these locations before offering opportunities to candidates on subsequent competition panels.
A new Technical Agricultural Officer nationwide competition has recently been advertised and is currently being progressed to provide a resulting order of merit which will be available in January 2026.
697. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the 2025 and 2026 capital budget allocations for works under the Fishery Harbour Centre and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. [65270/25]
View answerMy Department has responsibility for the six State owned Fishery Harbour Centres (FHCs) at Killybegs, Ros an Mhíl, Dingle, Castletownbere, Dunmore East and Howth.
In March this year I announced an allocation of €27.7 million to my Department’s 2025 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. This comprises an investment package of €23.4 million for the six FHCs (including €385,000 for Cape Clear, and specific Piers, Lights & Beacons for which my Department has responsibility), and €4.3 million to assist coastal local authorities in carrying out small scale projects for the development and repair of piers, harbours and slipways in their ownership. Details of the allocations are available in tabular form online at [Minister Dooley announces €27.75 million in funding for Fishery Harbour Centres and public marine infrastructure] (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/press-releases/minister-dooley-announces-2775-million-in-funding-for-fishery-harbour-centres-and-public-marine-infrastructure/) .
It is worth noting that many of the larger capital projects currently underway in the FHCs are multi-annual projects and it can be expected that a number of these will continue into 2026, subject to the applicable conditions of contract, rigorous project management processes and in accordance with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform’s Capital Works Management Framework and the Public Spending Code.
An allocation of €157.7 million has been provided for the fisheries and seafood sector in Budget 2026. This funding will continue to provide supports across key capital infrastructure projects in the Fishery Harbour Centres, the Seafood Development Programme as well as supporting the important work carried out by our marine agencies towards the economic and environmental sustainability of the seafood sector.
698. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a farmer (details supplied) will receive the remainder of a compensation payment following a TB outbreak in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65308/25]
View answerThe continued increase in bTB disease levels in recent years has resulted in significant additional work in the administration of the bTB programme for my Department. There has been recently been an increase in the volume of bTB Compensation payments that resulted in a temporary backlog in payments. This backlog has now been cleared and payments under the On Farm Market Valuation scheme issued in relation to the herd referred to on 17th November 2025. It may take a number of days for the payment to reach the bank account of the person referred to.
699. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a full review of the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 and the 2018 guidelines will be completed; the scope of that review; and the steps being taken to strengthen enforcement and improve welfare standards for breeding dogs. [65386/25]
View answer700. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current resourcing allocated to local authorities for inspections of dog breeding establishments; whether he is satisfied that staffing levels are adequate; and if he will consider increasing funding to ensure consistent compliance and enforcement across all counties. [65387/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 699 and 700 together.
On 1 August 2025, all policy and legislative responsibility for the Dog Breeding Establishments Act (2010) transferred to my Department. Local authorities retain responsibility for all operational and enforcement matters. Inspections of dog breeding establishments are carried out by my Department and by local authority dog wardens.
A high-level Dog Control Stakeholder Group was established last year to consider policy and legislative matters, specifically the Dog Control Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act. The group’s remit includes considering the need for legislative change. I am committed to reviewing all legislation relating to dogs and in this regard will be guided by the recommendations of the group. I expect the group to revert to me with recommendations on the matter in due course.
In July 2024, funding of €2 million was announced for local authorities to support the resourcing of dog warden services in 2025. The funding is intended as a support for the hiring of up to 40 additional dog wardens and does not necessarily provide the full cost of employment. I can confirm that the funding of €2 million to support the resourcing of dog wardens is available for 2026.
On 19 November I launched a six-week public consultation process that will run up to 2 January 2026, inviting views to inform development of a new Animal Welfare Strategy for my Department for the period 2026 to 2030. I encourage and welcome the public and all interested stakeholders, including farming interests and animal welfare groups to provide feedback, comment and make recommendations to my Department with respect to the new Animal Health and Welfare Strategy that will be launched next year.
Those wishing to contribute in response to this public consultation should send feedback or submissions to animalwelfareconsultation@agriculture.gov.ie or in hard copy to Public Consultation Feedback, Animal Welfare Division, Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine, Kildare St, Dublin 2, D02WK12
701. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will introduce a central, publicly accessible database recording all individuals or entities breeding or selling puppies; the expected timeline for this measure; and the way in which it will be enforced. [65388/25]
View answer702. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions being taken to improve public awareness of the way to identify licensed breeders; the way in which to report suspected illegal breeding activity; and whether his Department plans a national information campaign. [65389/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 702 and 701 together.
On 1 August 2025, all policy and legislative responsibility for dog breeding establishments transferred to my Department.
Under the Dog Breeding Establishment Act 2010, local authorities are required to maintain and publish a list of Dog Breeding Establishment in their administrative area. My Department collates this information in to a national register available at gov.ie [Dog Control]
Local authorities retain responsibility for all operational and enforcement matters. Inspections of dog breeding establishments are carried out by my Department and by local authority dog wardens.
In March 2024, the Dog Control Stakeholder Group was established the to review the Control of Dogs Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act.
The group's remit includes considering the need for legislative change. Three sub-groups of the stakeholder group were established to focus on specific areas relating to dog control and welfare, namely dog breeding establishments; training and education; and traceability. These sub-groups work with the main stakeholder group and will recommend areas of improvement in the dog control and welfare environment. I expect the group to revert to me with recommendations on the matter in the relatively near term once they have considered all issues arising.
In relation to the sale or supply of animals, my Department introduced the Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pet Animals) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 681/2019). These Regulations put into law certain requirements for sellers and suppliers of pet animals, including the requirement for registering with my Department and agreeing to have certain records available to the public. This information is available at gov.ie [Rules on the Sale, Supply and Advertising of Pet Animals].
My Department liaises with online platforms that sell pets, reminding them of the obligations in relation to the regulations surrounding pet sales. Any pet sales advertisements that are reported to my Department for potential breaches of the legislation are investigated by my Department, local authorities and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals {NSPCA). Where breaches of the regulations are found, advertisements are removed, and the owners are then investigated through the relevant channels.
Suspected breeches of the Sale and Supply Regulations can be reported to PetSalesRegister@agriculture.gov.ie.
In terms of illegal breeding activity, unregistered dog breeding establishments can be reported to the relevant local authority
My Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation. The dedicated email address and helpline in place for reporting suspected cases of animal welfare are:
Helpline Phone No: 01 607 2379.
Email address - animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie
703. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of inspections carried out on dog breeding establishments in each of the past five years; the number of enforcement actions taken; and his assessment of whether current penalties are sufficient to deter non-compliance. [65390/25]
View answerInspections of dog breeding establishments are carried out by ex local authority veterinarians who transferred to my Department in January of this year, as well as by local authority dog wardens.
All registered dog breeding establishments must undergo an annual inspection. My Department does not hold information on the number of inspections carried out by the Dog Warden Service or the number of inspections carried out prior to January 2025. This information can be requested from the local authorities directly.
Provisional figures show that my Department has carried out over 120 inspections on dog breeding establishments on behalf of local authorities up to Q3 in 2025. Of these, 84 inspections were unannounced.
In relation to the number of enforcement actions taken, local authorities are responsible for enforcement matters under the Dog Breeding Establishment Act. Penalties for non-compliance are determined by the courts on a case by case basis when prosecutions are brought forward by local authorities.
704. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has engaged with the Department of Housing; Local Government and Heritage, and local authorities to improve consistency in dog control enforcement; and if he will report on planned legislative updates in this area. [65391/25]
View answerPolicy and legislative responsibility for dog control transferred to my Department from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht on 1 June 2025 and for dog breeding establishments (DBE) on 1 August 2025. Local authorities retain responsibility for all operational, implementation and enforcement matters.
In July 2024, funding of €2 million was announced for local authorities to support the resourcing of dog warden services in 2025. The funding is intended for the hiring of up to 40 additional dog wardens but does not necessarily provide the full cost of employment. This funding recognises the increased demands in the area of dog control. To date, funds have been provided to 30 local authorities to support the resourcing of additional dog warden positions in 2025. I am aware that recruitment of additional dog wardens has been undertaken in several local authorities, however, the final number of appointments is not yet available. I can also confirm that this funding will continue in 2026.
A high-level stakeholder group was established in 2024 to consider policy and legislative matters, specifically the Dog Control Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act. The stakeholder group’s remit includes considering the need for legislative change. I am committed to reviewing all legislation relating to dogs and in this regard will be guided by the recommendations of the Dog Control Stakeholder Group. I expect the group to revert to me with recommendations on the matter in due course.
705. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details on supports available to rescue organisations caring for dogs seized from illegal breeding operations, including veterinary and behavioural rehabilitation costs. [65392/25]
View answerAnimal welfare is a key priority for me as Minister and for the Government. I would like to acknowledge the important work carried out, often in very challenging circumstances, by animal welfare organisations and their dedicated volunteers and staff across Ireland. Animal welfare charities play a crucial role in helping and rehabilitating animals in need, educating people, and raising public awareness about improving animal welfare.
Each year my Department invites eligible animal welfare charities to submit a funding application through the Animal Welfare Grants Programme. To qualify, applicants must meet specified requirements, detailed in the application process, with awards made on the basis of objective criteria which are reviewed on an annual basis.
Last year €6 million of funding was provided to 101 animal welfare charities nationwide, through the animal welfare grant programme to assist them. These awards also support the provision of education and knowledge sharing to the public on animal welfare and responsible pet ownership, helping to raise animal welfare standards.
The 2025 Animal Welfare Grants Programme is underway, with applications currently under assessment by my Department and I expect to announce the results of the application process in December.
706. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will publish an updated national animal welfare strategy, including specific commitments on dog breeding, enforcement, inspection standards and public education. [65393/25]
View answerOn 19 November I launched a six-week public consultation process that will run up to 2 January 2026, inviting views to inform development of a new Animal Welfare Strategy for my Department for the period 2026 to 2030. I encourage and welcome the public and all interested stakeholders, including farming interests and animal welfare groups to provide feedback, comment and make recommendations to my Department with respect to new Animal Welfare Strategy that will be launched next year.
Earlier this year, responsibility for all policy and legislation in relation to the Control of Dogs Act, 1986 and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act, 2010 transferred to my Department.
In March 2024, the then Minister for Rural and Community Development established the Dog Control Stakeholder Group to review the Control of Dogs Act and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act.
The stakeholder group’s remit includes considering the need for legislative change. This requires in-depth analysis and consultation to ensure that amendments are not just robust, fit for purpose and implementable, but that they also deliver the best outcomes for communities.
I am committed to reviewing all legislation relating to dogs, and in this regard will be guided by the recommendations of the Dog Control Stakeholder Group. I expect the group to revert to me with recommendations on the matter in due course.
Those wishing to contribute in response to this public consultation should send feedback or submissions to animalwelfareconsultation@agriculture.gov.ie or in hard copy to Public Consultation Feedback, Animal Welfare Division, Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine, Kildare St, Dublin 2, D02WK12
707. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on TB testing for animals (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65426/25]
View answerThere are two official tests for Bovine TB (bTB), the skin test and the gamma interferon blood test. While the specificity of the skin test is very high, (meaning it produces very few false positives), the sensitivity (the ability to detect truly infected cattle) is no more than 80%. In contrast, the blood test has a better sensitivity but lesser specificity.
Within the bovine TB eradication programme, blood testing is used primarily to augment the sensitivity of the skin test, to detect TB infected cattle which the skin test failed to detect, and to detect animals at an earlier stage in the disease process. The routine blood testing of animals already confirmed as reactors following a skin test would be of no benefit. The objective of deploying the blood test is to detect infection earlier, so that infected cattle can be removed quicker thereby shortening bTB breakdowns and reducing the risk of breakdown recurrence. This has the effect of lessening the impact of TB on farmers and their families.
708. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason there is an undue delay dealing with reactor animals (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65432/25]
View answerOne of the primary disease mitigation measures of the bovine TB eradication programme is the routine surveillance of all bovines for the presence of bovine TB through the use of the Single Intradermal Comparative Tuberculin Test, more commonly known as the 'skin test' and, if applicable, the removal of “reactor” animals identified in herds. When an animal is tested for bovine tuberculosis the veterinary practitioner makes two visits on separate days to complete the testing cycle.
My Department is notified of test results by the Private Veterinary Practitioner through the Animal Health Computer System. Once the testing cycle is complete and eligible reactors have been identified in a herd, the On Farm Market Valuation (OFMV) process begins.
From 1st of January to 31st October 2025, my Department removed 32,524 animals for slaughter as part of the OFMV Scheme. My Department has managed to reduce the removal time by half a day when compared to this period in 2024. The national average removal time from test to slaughter for this time period in 2025 averaged at 17.6 days, which has reduced from 18.2 days average for the same period in 2024.
There are circumstances outside of my Department's control where the removal of reactor animals must be delayed, such as appeal cases where either party seeks a second live valuation of the affected animals before their removal, medicated animals who are observing the appropriate withdrawal period, inconclusive animals who may be required to undergo further Gamma Interferon (GIF) blood testing, and those reactor animals who are 90%+ of gestation and on animal health and welfare grounds, cannot be moved until they have calved on farm. My Department works closely with stakeholders to identify if, and where efficiencies can be made. All of these circumstances are also accounted for in average timeframe outlined above.
709. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there is a delay in the payment of compensation to farmers who have reactors; if so, for the length of time; when payment will be made, if this has been communicated to farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65460/25]
View answerThe continued increase in bTB disease levels in recent years has resulted in significant additional work in the administration of the bTB programme for the Department. There has recently been an increase in the volume of bTB compensation payments that resulted in a temporary backlog in payments. This backlog has now been cleared and outstanding compensation payments are issuing to Herdowners this week.
We need to decrease bTB disease levels to ensure that the impact this disease has on farm families both financially and emotionally is lessened.
On 9th September I published the “Bovine TB Action Plan, Addressing Bovine TB in Ireland”
There are 5 measures in the Plan which are underpinned by 30 actions:
• Support herds free of bTB to remain free
• Reduce the impact of wildlife on the spread of bTB
• Detect and eliminate bTB infection as early as possible in herds with a bTB breakdown and avoid a future breakdown
• Help farmers improve all areas of on-farm biosecurity
• Reduce the impact of known high-risk animals in spreading bTB
The foundation of these measures has been scientific research, evidence and veterinary expertise.
These measures must be layered into the new bTB programme to tackle the current high disease levels and address the three main causes of bTB outbreak which are cattle to cattle transmission, residual infection in the herd and transmission from wildlife.”
By addressing bTB disease levels in Ireland through the implementation of the actions in this plan we will be able to tackle this disease in a meaningful manner and better protect farm families in Ireland from this disease.
710. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers who have submitted applications for TB reactor compensation; the number that are still under consideration; those refused; those accepted, the time frame of those waiting for payment 0- 3 weeks, 3-6 weeks, 6-9 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 12 + weeks, by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65461/25]
View answerIreland’s TB Eradication Programme has a comprehensive compensation regime in place for herd-owners who are affected by bovine TB.
The On Farm Market Valuation Scheme (OFMV) is the principal compensation measure available to Herd-owners whose herds are affected by a bovine TB breakdown in their herd. The Scheme aims to compensate farmers up to the open market value of an animal as if they were not affected by disease, subject to ceilings.
The Income Supplement Scheme is a targeted scheme which assists farmers who lose 9.5% or more of their herd to disease due to a single TB breakdown. Income supplement is only payable in cases where the 9.5% threshold is met in one continuous restriction period and where Depopulation is not deemed an appropriate measure.
The Hardship Grant is a targeted scheme aimed at assisting eligible herd-owners who retain and feed animals during prolonged periods of restriction as a result of a TB breakdown. The scheme runs each year for herds restricted between November 1st and April 30th.
Depopulation Grant is paid for each animal removed in the depopulation measure and for those herds that are partial or fully depopulated on foot of a veterinary decision made on analysis of the overall TB disease situation within a herd.
All OFMV payments are based on reactors disclosed. If a herdowner has reactors, they are paid for those reactors subject to compliance with the terms and conditions for payment as provided in my Department's TB Compensation Arrangements, Information Booklet for Herdowners which is issued to all herdowners at the time of a bTB breakdown. For Income Supplement and Hardship payments there is no application required, Regional offices assess eligibility for all herds in breakdown and herds that meet the conditions of the scheme are paid automatically.
Recently my Department has experienced increase in volume of bTB Compensation payments resulting in a temporary backlog of payments, which is reflected below.
In the table below, total number of Compensation payments made under the TB Eradication Programme this year to 20/11/2025, based on my Department's Animal Health Computer System (AHCS) figures.
|
County |
No of Applications* |
Paid Within 3 Weeks |
Paid Within 3 - 8 Weeks |
Paid Within 8 - 13 Weeks |
Paid Over 13 Weeks |
|
Carlow Rvo |
126 |
64 |
44 |
15 |
3 |
|
Cavan Rvo |
884 |
709 |
138 |
32 |
5 |
|
Clare Rvo |
987 |
801 |
164 |
7 |
15 |
|
Cork North Rvo |
1527 |
928 |
519 |
42 |
38 |
|
Cork South Rvo |
1862 |
1084 |
713 |
50 |
15 |
|
Donegal Rvo |
620 |
452 |
155 |
12 |
1 |
|
Dublin Rvo |
132 |
99 |
33 |
0 |
0 |
|
Galway Rvo |
1567 |
941 |
561 |
53 |
12 |
|
Kerry Rvo |
1665 |
1037 |
539 |
80 |
9 |
|
Kildare Rvo |
245 |
188 |
52 |
3 |
2 |
|
Kilkenny Rvo |
725 |
526 |
124 |
44 |
31 |
|
Laois Rvo |
582 |
488 |
90 |
2 |
2 |
|
Leitrim Rvo |
592 |
350 |
195 |
31 |
16 |
|
Limerick Rvo |
674 |
603 |
66 |
3 |
2 |
|
Longford Rvo |
668 |
474 |
173 |
11 |
10 |
|
Louth Rvo |
243 |
202 |
33 |
7 |
1 |
|
Mayo Rvo |
810 |
464 |
292 |
29 |
25 |
|
Meath Rvo |
1328 |
1062 |
218 |
22 |
26 |
|
Monaghan Rvo |
950 |
809 |
128 |
8 |
5 |
|
Offaly Rvo |
615 |
520 |
76 |
9 |
10 |
|
Roscommon Rvo |
422 |
308 |
106 |
7 |
1 |
|
Sligo Rvo |
564 |
375 |
146 |
14 |
29 |
|
Tipperary North Rvo |
852 |
751 |
84 |
10 |
7 |
|
Tipperary South Rvo |
708 |
580 |
112 |
13 |
3 |
|
Waterford Rvo |
506 |
215 |
234 |
29 |
28 |
|
Westmeath Rvo |
590 |
496 |
83 |
5 |
6 |
|
Wexford Rvo |
382 |
249 |
98 |
21 |
14 |
|
Wicklow East Rvo |
431 |
274 |
106 |
32 |
19 |
|
Wicklow West Rvo |
404 |
353 |
46 |
5 |
0 |
|
Total |
21661 |
15402 |
5328 |
596 |
335 |
*includes multiple payments across all schemes made to any single herd in the calendar year.
711. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the scientific basis for statements in the CAP Strategic Plan 2023–2027 (details supplied); and if these claims were based on his Department’s funded research or internal analyses by organisations given low scrapie prevalence and limited demonstrated performance differences. [65506/25]
View answer712. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his Department's process for updating SIS policy where scientific evidence, including evidence derived from datasets (details supplied) or his Department's funded research, has been contradicted or superseded; and the way in which independence is ensured. [65507/25]
View answer715. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has assessed whether linking eligibility for SIS or other supports to the use of a single operator (details supplied) restricts competition or limits breeder rights under Articles 13 and 14. [65510/25]
View answer716. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason no records exist regarding the inclusion of the genotyped ram task in the sheep improvement scheme, despite its central role in the CAP Strategic Plan; and whether this indicates a failure in documentation or oversight. [65511/25]
View answer728. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to list the peer-reviewed scientific papers relied upon when designing and justifying the sheep improvement scheme genotyped ram action, particularly where the supporting evidence was derived from organisations (details supplied); if his Department assessed the limitations and risk of bias inherent in such internal analyses where independent studies with greater ecological validity that is, real-farm outcomes rather than controlled or index-derived models have shown no consistent or meaningful differences between 1-star and 5-star rams for traits; the reason the national scrapie monitoring scrapie surveillance unit within his Department the competent section with statutory responsibility for scrapie surveillance and risk evaluation did not lead the design, justification or scientific assessment of this task, and why an organisation, rather than the relevant Departmental epidemiological authority, acted as the primary technical source. [65531/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 711, 712, 715, 716 and 728 together.
The CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) was developed following an extensive stakeholder and public consultation process, providing the maximum opportunity for input on proposed interventions. Intervention design was discussed at meetings of the CAP Consultative Committee (CCC) throughout the period 2019 -2022. The CCC comprised all the major farming and agriculture related representative organisations as well as a number of academics and environmental interests, including Teagasc.
A Strengths Weakness Opportunities Threat (SWOT) analysis and needs assessment were undertaken to inform the design process. These identified the need to continue to improve animal health and welfare standards, including through the targeted application of genomic technologies in the sheep sector.
This recommendation is consistent with the overall Food Vision strategy for the sector. Action 15 is "to continue to drive improvements in breeding strategies for cattle and sheep, focused in particular on genomics programmes which contribute to improved environmental and economic efficiency, and improved animal health and animal welfare".
The Sheep Improvement Scheme (SIS), including the genotype ram action was approved by the European Commission as part of the CSP which justified measures to improve animal health and welfare standards, including through the targeted application of genomic technologies, in the sheep sector. The approved CSP is published on my department’s website (www.gov.ie/CAP) along with information relating to its development and formulation. This includes the Commission’s observations, environmental impact assessment reports, public consultations, SWOT analysis and needs assessment and the CAP reform Consultative Committee meeting minutes.
Regulation (EU) No. 2016/1012 provides for competent authorities in Member States to authorise third parties to carry out performance recording or genetic evaluation of breeding animals. ICBF is the only body approved in Ireland under the above-mentioned EU legislation to carry out that function for cattle.
Sheep Ireland has a similar function in gathering data in relation to rams and carrying out genetic evaluations. This function is entirely compatible with a voluntary scheme in which an eligible ram is one that has been genomically assessed by the Sheep Ireland Genomic service and satisfies the criteria specified in the scheme rules.
The design of the SIS involved input from policy, operational, veterinary, technical and inspection experts within my department. The policy decision to include the genotyped ram action in scheme was based on the benefits of utilising genomic technologies in the sheep sector. These benefits are widely available in various research papers, including those published or referenced by Teagasc and Sheep Ireland. For example, the SWOT analysis refers to a paper on the possibilities for accelerating genetic improvement of the sheep population. Essentially, the available information shows that the consistent use of higher star-rated rams will increase flock productivity and profitability.
The operation of all CSP schemes is subject to ongoing monitoring by my department and consultation with stakeholder interests, including farm bodies. Any individual issues with intervention design arising from problems experienced by participants are dealt with annually, and amendments are made to the CSP where necessary.
713. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether the minimum requirements or participation conditions set an organisation (details supplied) for genomic services or involvement in its breeding-related activities comply with breeders' rights under Articles 13 and 14 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1012, including the breeder's right to participate in and contribute to the breeding programme of their breeding society; and whether such conditions undermine the breeding society's autonomous control over its own breeding programme as provided for under Article 27, by imposing external requirements that restrict the society's ability to determine its own programme design, membership criteria or data-governance rules. [65508/25]
View answerArticle 14(1) of Regulation 2016/1012 provides the right for breed societies to define and carry out their breeding programme autonomously provided it complies with the requirements of the Regulation and conditions of approval of the breeding programme.
Therefore, it is a matter for a breed society to agree on the requirements with the named organisation for the provision of genomic services or breeding related activities.
