Written Answers Nos. 1823-1842
1823. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the priorities of his Department and each agency for which it is responsible, in respect of Ireland’s Presidency of the European Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75260/25]
View answerIreland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time, from 1 July to 31 December 2026.
Preparations for the Presidency are well under way, and are led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in close coordination with the Department of the Taoiseach, and with the active participation of all Departments across Government.
The priorities and policy programme for our EU Presidency are currently under development. This work is taking account of the EU’s Strategic Agenda for 2024-29 and the legislative work programme of the European Commission. Consultations with our European partners will also inform the development of our priorities and policy programme, as will the evolution of the Council’s legislative agenda through the recently concluded Presidency term of Denmark (July to December 2025) and that of Cyprus (January to June 2026). Engagement is also taking place with our Trio partners, Lithuania and Greece.
The policy objectives we set for our Presidency will be further shaped by our own priorities across a wide range of areas. In this regard the Government, recognising the importance of ensuring that stakeholder groups have their voices heard, has held, and will continue to hold, a series of consultation meetings with stakeholders from across business, civil society, trade unions and other interest groups.
A call for written submissions on the development of Ireland’s policy priorities, hosted on gov.ie, was launched on 5 November and closed on 12 December, with over 450 submissions received. My Department also undertook a public consultation at the 2025 National Ploughing Championships to gather views from the public with regard to their priorities for agriculture, food, forestry, and fisheries in an EU context, and 193 responses were received.
I understand that other Government Departments are also engaging in sector-specific Presidency consultations with stakeholder groups. This process will allow consideration to be given to a broad range of different policy issues, from diverse voices throughout Ireland, as our Presidency policy programme is developed.
Following the conclusion of this process, the Government will agree and publish our programme of policy priorities for the Presidency in June 2026, shortly before the start of Ireland's Presidency term.
1824. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current number of fishing trawlers registered in Ireland, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75282/25]
View answerIn accordance with section 3 of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2003, the Register of Fishing Boats is maintained by the Registrar General for Fishing Boats and is publicly available online at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/organisation-information/sea-fisheries-administration/
There are currently 1,938 registered vessels on the Irish fishing fleet.
The information in the table below, outlines in the first two columns the number of fishing vessels on the Register of Fishing Boats by county based on the owner’s address. Columns three and four outline the number of vessels by county of Port Registration. Please note that the Port Registration is administered by Local Registrars of Shipping located in ten counties and are attached to the Office of the Revenue Commissioners.
|
County of Owner of Fishing Vessel |
Number of Fishing Vessels |
County of Port Registration |
Number of Fishing Vessels |
|
Cork |
363 |
Cork |
418 |
|
Kerry |
249 |
Kerry |
219 |
|
Galway |
298 |
Galway |
336 |
|
Limerick |
1 |
Limerick |
2 |
|
Mayo |
220 |
Mayo |
194 |
|
Wexford |
123 |
Wexford |
146 |
|
Sligo |
29 |
Sligo |
357 |
|
Waterford |
71 |
Waterford |
89 |
|
Dublin |
77 |
Dublin |
75 |
|
Louth |
81 |
Louth |
102 |
|
Donegal |
353 |
|
|
|
Wicklow |
38 |
|
|
|
Meath |
7 |
|
|
|
Clare |
27 |
|
|
|
Leitrim |
1 |
|
|
1825. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current legislative and regulatory framework governing the ownership, breeding, sale, and importation of exotic animals, including reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates; and if he is satisfied that this framework provides adequate safeguards for animal welfare, public safety, and biosecurity. [75299/25]
View answer1826. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether Ireland operates, or plans to introduce, a positive list or prohibited list system governing which exotic species may be legally kept as pets; and if not, the rationale for relying on the current approach in view of practices in other EU member states. [75300/25]
View answer1827. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the mechanisms in place to monitor and enforce compliance with animal welfare standards in relation to exotic pets, including inspections, licensing, and penalties; and the number of enforcement actions taken in each of the past five years. [75301/25]
View answer1828. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the oversight which exists in respect of the sale of exotic animals through online platforms, pet shops, and private breeders; and whether he plans to strengthen regulation in this area to address animal welfare and consumer protection concerns. [75302/25]
View answer1829. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department has conducted or commissioned any risk assessments regarding public health, zoonotic disease, or environmental risks associated with the private ownership of exotic pets; and if so, to provide details of same. [75303/25]
View answer1830. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has assessed the availability of suitably qualified veterinary and animal welfare expertise to deal with exotic species in Ireland, including in cases of abandonment or seizure; and whether gaps have been identified. [75304/25]
View answer1831. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will commit to a formal review of Ireland’s approach to regulating exotic pets, including consultation with veterinary bodies, animal welfare organisations, and public health authorities; and the timeframe for same. [75305/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1825 to 1831, inclusive, together.
The programme for Government provides a commitment to the continued robust enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, which provides a modern framework for regulating and applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare.
My Department keeps the Act under review in light of key developments in the area of animal health and welfare, the legislative environment more generally, and having regard to the practical lessons learned from operating the Act. Since the Act came into force, there have been over 200 successful prosecutions under the Act.
All live animals entering the EU from a non-EU country require official controls at the Border Control Post of entry. Exotic animals are ‘non-harmonised’ species, meaning national rules apply to their entry. In Ireland, such animals can only be certified for entry when they are moving from an approved confined establishment in the non-EU country to an approved confined establishment in Ireland (e.g. zoo, wildlife park etc.).
Depending on the species of wild or exotic animals involved, The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wind Fauna and Flora (CITES) and associated regulations may be applicable to the import and licensing of such animals, which fall under the responsibility of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
In regard to the availability of suitably qualified veterinary Inspectors, the Veterinary Council of Ireland is responsible for setting the standards required and providing the accreditation for veterinary colleges in Ireland.
Any pet animal entering Ireland from a non-EU country is required to have an official EU Health Certificate endorsed by a government approved vet from the country of origin.
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.
My Department engages 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.
Husbandry, or care for animals including exotic animals, is outlined in the code of practice for sellers and suppliers of pet animals, available here [Code of Practice for Sellers of Pet Animals]. My Department currently has no plans to introduce, a positive list or prohibited list for exotic animals.
In relation to conducting a formal review of Ireland’s approach to regulating exotic pets, I recently held a public consultation on the new Animal Welfare Strategy inviting submissions, observations and comments regarding where priority should be afforded in the new Animal Welfare Strategy and, by extension, its implementation. The submissions received will help shape the New Animal Welfare Strategy, which will run for the period 2026 to 2030.
1832. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures being taken to address the dangers to human life caused by roaming deer along all roads in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1001/26]
View answerMy Department, along with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage established the Irish Deer Management Strategy group to develop a strategy for the sustainable management of deer in Ireland. The Group comprised representatives from my Department, National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Coillte. A report was published into “Developing a Sustainable Deer Management Strategy for Ireland” in December 2023.
The report listed 16 Actions, 8 of which are recommended in the short term and 8 of which are recommended in the medium term. These recommended actions address a wide range of issues from hunter training and forest design to land use management and the venison market. The report concluded that a formal structure was required to manage deer in Ireland, which involved the appointment of a Programme Manager to implement the recommendations of the report and the establishment of local deer management units in known hotspot areas.
My Department is committed to progressing the implementation of the actions identified by the Irish Deer Management Strategy Group (IDMSG) in this report. The Programme Manager, who has been appointed, will work closely with the IDMSG, DAFM and the National Parks and Wildlife Service in prioritising and implementation of the short term recommendations identified in the report.
The locations of the deer management units (DMUs) have been finalised. The locations of the DMUs is in response to what might be referred to as deer hotspots. These DMUs aim to give the best geographic coverage in order to reduce the density of deer in these areas which includes County Kerry.
The Programme Manager, through the local deer management units, will be liaising with licensed hunters and landowners in relation to the management of deer populations within the deer management units. Deer can continue to be culled by appropriate licensed hunters within the hunting season and with the use of Section 42 licenses issued by the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) outside the hunting season.
The issuing of licences for the control of deer is an operational matter for the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
1833. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to increase forestry grants to landowners in 2026 who wish to plant some or all of their lands or additional lands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1033/26]
View answerThe Forestry Programme 2023 – 2027 is extremely ambitious and contains a comprehensive package of measures, including an increase in forestry premiums of between 46% and 66% compared to its predecessor. Farmers can also receive 20 years of premium payments compared to 15 years for non-farmers. This Forestry Programme was put in place to incentivise farmers to the greatest extent possible to engage with tree-planting as an additional income stream and diversification option.
The Afforestation Scheme, contained within this Forestry Programme offers landowners a choice of 12 Forest Types, covering a broad range of planting options. A new Native Tree Area Scheme was also introduced to facilitate small-scale tree planting and does not require an afforestation licence. The Programme also recognises the importance of managing existing forests and provides a range of measures to support existing forest owners.
Last year, my Department undertook a Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the Forestry Programme in conjunction with members of the Forest Strategy Consultative Committee (FSCC), representing a broad range of Forestry stakeholders. The existing measures and schemes were reviewed with a view to improving their performance for the remainder of the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 term. The outcome of this Mid-Term Review is expected in early 2026.
Afforestation is a voluntary land use choice for landowners. However, I am confident that the existing attractive rates and supports under the Forestry Programme, in conjunction with the Mid-Term Review, will continue to support landowners to plant trees on their land and grow the forestry sector into 2026 and beyond, providing a sustainable land use option into the future.
1834. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to take into consideration that farming is in under enormous pressure as an indigenous industry and introduce a series of measures in relation to same (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1111/26]
View answerThe challenge of attracting young people into a career in farming is widely recognised, both at national and EU level. Demographic challenges for the agricultural sector are not unique to Ireland and our statistics, which show that 4.35% of farmers are under 35 years of age and 37% are over 65, are similar to EU average figures.
The Programme for Government prioritises supporting inter-generational farm succession. Food Vision 2030, our shared strategy for the agri-food sector, states that generational renewal in farming is critically important to ensure the future viability and social sustainability of the Irish agri-food sector and of rural Ireland. There are a number of supports for generational renewal currently available to farmers under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027. These supports are complemented by a suite of strong national taxation measures and access to finance supports, as well as advisory and education & training supports.
Farm succession is a complex issue and there are many factors that impact farmers’ decisions. The Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming was established to examine these issues and has produced a thorough analysis and made 31 recommendations across a wide range of areas, including CAP Supports, Pensions, Taxation, Access to Finance, Access to Land, Collaborative Arrangements, Advisory Services, Education and Training, Gender Balance and the Overall Attractiveness of the Sector.
An implementation group in my Department is currently considering the recommendations of the Commission. While some recommendations are for progress in the context of the next CAP, others can and will be progressed in a shorter time frame. In fact, some of the taxation recommendations have already been considered and progressed in Budget 2026. The Commission recommended extending the time frames for stamp duty reliefs and in Budget 2026, the 100% Stamp Duty for Young Trained Farmers was renewed for four years instead of the normal three years, providing some additional certainty to farmers planning for succession. The Commission also recommended the retention of Agricultural Relief and I am pleased that it will remain available to farm families to facilitate succession and the inter-generational transfer of farms. Agricultural Relief and stamp duty exemptions were worth some €325 million to farmers in 2024.
The EU Commission has also published a new Strategy for Generational Renewal in Agriculture. I have welcomed this increased focus at EU level, and this new strategy comes to many of the same conclusions as our own Commission. Much of the work we have already completed ensures we have a comprehensive, well-considered foundation for future policy on generational renewal. Supporting young farmers and facilitating generational renewal is critical to ensure a bright future for the agri-food sector.
1835. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide all figures and data in respect of producer organisations approved by this Department (details supplied), in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1112/26]
View answerThe 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme provided financial support for the establishment of Beef Producer Organisations (POs).
The funding consisted of grant aid for the engagement of Department-approved facilitators to assist prospective POs with the submission of their applications for official recognition. Funding of up to €3,000 was available to cover advisory costs incurred by each applicant PO seeking recognition.
My Department was the competent authority responsible for scheme implementation and issuing facilitator payments. In accordance with scheme rules, the only funding provided was in respect of the provision of facilitator advice to POs.
Three Producer Organisations were recognised under the measure and the information requested in respect of the two specified entities is set out in the table hereunder.
|
PO |
First documentation submitted |
Recognition Date |
Level of funding, financial support and/or grant aid – (a mounts paid excl. VAT) |
Payment authority |
|
Emerald Isle Beef Producers CLG |
September 2019 |
4 October 2019 |
No facilitator payment claims submitted. |
N/A |
|
Glasson Beef Producers (T/A Irish Beef Producers) |
May 2019 |
11 September 2019 |
€3,000 paid in 2020. |
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. |
1836. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to eradicate TB in Ireland, if he will reconvene the TB forum as a matter of priority, (initially not in camera), with all stakeholders involved, and a broad spectrum approach with a full public consultation in the mix; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1113/26]
View answerThere has been an increase in Bovine TB (bTB) levels nationally in recent years, which is a challenge both financially and emotionally for Irish farmers. Our understanding of bTB has increased and evolved over time and research has shown that our current approach to addressing disease levels on its own was not enough to control and ultimately eradicate bTB.
Early in 2025, I had extensive engagement with stakeholders and farming organisations to agree measures to tackle the current disease levels and in June I received the support of Government to introduce additional measures to the bovine TB programme.
On 9 September 2025, I launched the ‘Bovine TB Action Plan: Addressing Bovine TB in Ireland’. There are 5 measures and 30 actions underpinned by scientific research, evidence and veterinary expertise in this action plan.
1. Support herds free of bTB to remain free
2. Reduce the impact of wildlife on the spread of bTB
3. Detect and eliminate bTB infection as early as possible in herds with a bTB breakdown and avoid a future breakdown
4. Help farmers improve all areas of on-farm biosecurity
5. Reduce the impact of known high-risk animals in spreading bTB
The aim of the Action Plan is to reset the bTB programme in the context of putting in place measures necessary to tackle the current disease situation. Some of the measures are ongoing in terms of communication and engagement with farmers while others will be introduced over the coming months. Some of these measures require work on IT systems and this work is being prioritised. Farmers and all stakeholders will be notified in advance of any changes to the TB programme through communication campaigns.
I have secured an increased budget allocation in Budget 2026 for the bTB programme which is vital in addressing bTB and I am confident it will help drive down the incidences of bovine TB levels, in future years through the implementation of the Action Plan.
The Government is committed to ongoing constructive engagement with all stakeholders in order to help the farming community and the TB Forum will meet later this year.
1837. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps being taken to ensure that a fair market is secured for sheep wool (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1114/26]
View answerThe marketing of Irish sheep wool is a commercial activity for the wool industry. I am, however, aware that the price of wool has been at a low level for some time and that developing new markets is key to the growth of the sector.
My Department has taken several steps to support Irish wool and to find new markets. This included an in-depth study of the Irish wool market called Review Of Market Opportunities For Irish-Grown Wool Based Products, which was published in 2022.
In support of the recommendations of the report, €30,000 in seed funding was committed to the establishment of the independent Irish Grown Wool Council, which was launched in 2023.
Another step has been the allocation of research funding for the SPRING WOOL project. This is a Munster Technological University-led project that focuses on removing obstacles to the sale of Irish wool and providing a springboard for innovation in the sector. The project has received €574,683 in funding and involves different strands of research to develop Irish wool as a valuable, sustainable product.
I am also aware that further research funding of €657,403 has been provided by the Environmental Protection Agency to UCC for their Regenerative Value Systems for Irish Grown Wool in Ireland project. Its aim is to re-establish a sustainable wool sector in Ireland to benefit stakeholders along the value chain.
Additionally, my Department subsidised sheep shearing under the 2025 National Sheep Welfare Scheme, which was worth €22 million to farmers last year.
I note that although sheep wool is classified as an animal by-product under EU regulations, this does not prevent it from being used as an ingredient in fertiliser or in approved composting and other industrial sectors.
1838. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on fishing quotas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1202/26]
View answer1839. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to address fishing quotas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1205/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1838 and 1839 together.
Ireland has repeatedly raised the overfishing of Mackerel by certain Coastal States outside the EU over recent years and has called for the EU to take a strong position to protect this valuable stock.
I raised the issue as an AOB at the October Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers, calling for urgent action at EU level to protect our key pelagic stocks. I reiterated this again at both the November and December Council meetings.
I will continue to highlight this critical issue for our fishers, and to engage intensively with stakeholders, with the European Commissioner for Fisheries and with other Member States on possible actions to protect our stocks.
The impact of the scientific advice and resulting reductions in available quota, combined with Ireland not receiving its Hague preference quotas, will undoubtedly have a very significant impact on the seafood sector.
With the support of Minister Heydon, I am establishing a working group under the auspices of Food Vision 2030 to develop a framework of supports for the sector to address the substantial challenges currently facing the sector.
1841. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding his Department’s efforts to fulfil the Programme for Government commitments to address the disjointed approach to dog control issues by ensuring all legislation and policy in relation to the control of dogs, dog welfare and dog breeding establishments rests with his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1299/26]
View answerMy Department, following transfer of functions from the Department of Community, Rural Development and the Gaeltacht on 1 June 2025, now has overall policy and legislative responsibility for the Control of Dogs Acts 1986. My Department also assumed policy and legislative responsibility for the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 on 1 August 2025 from the Department of Community, Rural Development and the Gaeltacht. This addresses the commitment in the Programme for Government, as referenced by the Deputy.
This policy landscape regarding dogs complements the policy and legislative responsibility for general animal welfare, including that of dogs, already held by my Department under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
It remains the case that local authorities, through the Dog Warden Service, have responsibility for all operational matters under the Control of Dogs Act, including enforcement.
1842. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to review legislation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1300/26]
View answerOn 1 June 2025, all policy and legislative responsibility for the Control of Dogs Acts transferred to my Department from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
In March 2024, the then Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht established the Dog Control stakeholder group to review the Control of Dogs Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act. The stakeholder group comprises members with a broad range of expertise including academics, veterinary surgeons, local authorities, farming interests, charities working in the field and animal welfare experts.
The stakeholder group's remit includes considering the need for legislative change. This requires in-depth analysis and consultation to ensure amendments are not just robust, fit for purpose and implementable but that they also deliver the best outcomes for communities and for dogs themselves. 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.
I look forward to the group completing their work and I will consider their recommendations upon presentation to me of their report.
