Written Answers Nos. 1843-1862
1843. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider implementing a formal review of the restricted breed list to include input from veterinary professionals, qualified behaviourists, and animal welfare organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1432/26]
View answer1844. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider removing a particular breed from the restricted breed lists (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1433/26]
View answer1845. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider implementing a mechanism to assess individual behaviour of dogs on the restricted breeds given issues with the current legislation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1434/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1843, 1844 and 1845 together.
On 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.
1846. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the long delays in issuing ACRES payments to farmers; if the financial burden these delays are placing on farmers has been brought to his attention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1492/26]
View answerThe Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme, or ACRES, is the flagship environmental scheme provided under the 2023-2027 CAP Strategic Plan, with €1.5 billion in Exchequer and EU funding allocated over the course of the scheme. There are currently just over 53,600 participants in ACRES.
ACRES payments issue on a scheme year basis, with 2023 being the first scheme year, for Tranche 1 participants, and 2024 being the first year for those who are in Tranche 2.
Almost €250 million has issued in respect of the 2023 scheme year, with over 99% of participants paid.
A total of €268.8 million has issued in respect of the 2024 scheme year, and almost 99% have now received the payment.
Finally, 2025 advance payments commenced in November 2025 and are continuing to be paid. Approximately €222.5 million has issued to date, and 96% of participants are now fully up to date with 2025 payments.
These payments will bring the amount paid in respect of ACRES since its commencement in 2023 to just over €741 million. This reflects the Government’s commitment to achieving a range of environmental, biodiversity, water quality and climate objectives by supporting farm families in their environmental journey.
ACRES is an ambitious and complex scheme, and there have been challenges as a result.
We are overcoming those challenges through the commitment of all those involved in the scheme - farmers themselves, ACRES advisors and the ACRES Co-operation Project Teams.
The main issues which have impacted on the making of payments have been identified as:
• Contract and ownership / partnership issues,
• Issues with scorecards,
• Alignment of ACRES data with BISS information.
My Department is actively resolving the remaining issues through, for example, the development of the required IT functionality and the investigation of issues associated with specific contracts.
In cases such as change of contract, my Department is unable to progress the payment claim until the legal requirements have been resolved.
The issuing of payments has gathered considerable momentum as knowledge and experience of the scheme has improved, and as functionality has been deployed to address challenges that were encountered.
I appreciate the patience that was shown by the participants as we resolved these challenges. My Department has been developing solutions to solve issues permanently rather than applying a quick fix, in order to ensure that these solutions avoid the same issues presenting again.
We have learned from the experiences of the initial scheme years and will continue to fine-tune our processes where we identify possible improvements.
1847. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will enable veterinary prescriptions to be filled at any veterinary practice and not tied to the prescription issuer. [1609/26]
View answerVeterinary practitioners currently prescribe and dispense veterinary medicines for animals under their care. Veterinary practices are not considered retailers, however if a veterinary practice wishes to retail and supply medicines to the public for animals not under their care they can apply to my Department for a retail licence and this will permit them to dispense a prescription which has not been issued by them for certain categories of prescription only medicines including antiparasitics, intramammaries, vaccines, antifungals, digestive stimulants and vitamins and minerals. There are significant numbers of veterinary practices that are already licensed by my Department as retailers.
1848. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the date on which a supplementary estimate or supplementary estimates was sought in respect of his Department’s Vote for each of the past ten years, and to the date in 2026; the gross and net amount involved in each case; and the Vote subheads to which each supplementary estimate related. [1785/26]
View answerThe information requested is a matter of public record and readily available.
A link is provided below which will direct the Deputy to the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation website where the Supplementary Estimates are published.
[The Revised Estimates Volumes for the Public Service] (link needs to be opened in a new window).
1849. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the value of expenditure originally allocated in the Estimates to specific programmes or staffing measures that could not be spent as planned within the year for each of the past five years; and whether such underspends were surrendered, carried forward, or reallocated to other areas within the Vote. [1806/26]
View answerThe information requested is a matter of public record and readily available online.
2025 figures are still being finalised and will not be available until the Appropriation Account has been completed at the end of March 2026.
A link is provided below which will direct the Deputy to the relevant Appropriation Accounts.
[Appropriation Accounts - Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General] (link needs to be opened in a new window).
1850. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an up-to-date report in 2025 on the number of horses currently registered in the State, by category and county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1860/26]
View answerThe following link shows the total number of horses per county, and a breakdown showing the number of thoroughbred horses and the number of other horses. This file is based on the report on the Equine 2024 Census which was published recently and is available at: www.equineid.ie
|
County |
No. of Census returns |
Total no. of horses |
Total no. of thoroughbreds |
Total no. of other horses |
|
Carlow |
332 |
2,015 |
807 |
1,208 |
|
Cavan |
504 |
1,886 |
142 |
1,744 |
|
Clare |
1,135 |
4,937 |
436 |
4,501 |
|
Cork |
2,294 |
12,298 |
3,711 |
8,587 |
|
Donegal |
785 |
2,544 |
96 |
2,448 |
|
Dublin |
321 |
1,985 |
255 |
1,730 |
|
Galway |
2,906 |
13,640 |
1,083 |
12,557 |
|
Kerry |
1,015 |
3,360 |
177 |
3,183 |
|
Kildare |
1,032 |
8,779 |
4,438 |
4,341 |
|
Kilkenny |
690 |
5,291 |
2,347 |
2,944 |
|
Laois |
455 |
2,492 |
550 |
1,942 |
|
Leitrim |
443 |
1,348 |
30 |
1,318 |
|
Limerick |
809 |
4,462 |
1,355 |
3,107 |
|
Longford |
341 |
1,860 |
127 |
1,733 |
|
Louth |
249 |
1,102 |
146 |
956 |
|
Mayo |
1,702 |
6,478 |
229 |
6,249 |
|
Meath |
997 |
6,813 |
2,848 |
3,965 |
|
Monaghan |
306 |
1,515 |
140 |
1,375 |
|
Offaly |
514 |
2,628 |
472 |
2,156 |
|
Roscommon |
832 |
3,814 |
319 |
3,495 |
|
Sligo |
597 |
2,494 |
80 |
2,414 |
|
Tipperary |
1,362 |
9,258 |
4,308 |
4,950 |
|
Waterford |
595 |
4,002 |
1,492 |
2,510 |
|
Westmeath |
563 |
3,772 |
1,248 |
2,524 |
|
Wexford |
1,062 |
7,510 |
3,057 |
4,453 |
|
Wicklow |
752 |
4,629 |
994 |
3,635 |
|
Grand Total |
22,593 |
120,912 |
30,887 |
90,025 |
1851. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the enforcement of horse welfare and control measures; if he is satisfied that current resources are adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1861/26]
View answer1853. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which funding allocated for horse welfare in 2025 was spent; the outcomes achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1863/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1851 and 1853 together.
My Department takes the matter of equine welfare most seriously. The welfare of equines is protected by legislation and there is a commitment in the Programme for Government to prioritise equine welfare and to build on existing inspectorate supports across the country, ensuring a consistent approach to dealing with horse welfare.
The Programme for Government also commits 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. In this regard, my Department and authorised officers appointed under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, including An Garda Síochána, Customs agents, local authorities and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) undertake appropriate enforcement action, where breaches or shortcomings are identified.
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.
My Department is responsible for all policy and legislation in relation to the Control of Horses Act 1996. Operation of the Act comes under the remit of Local Authorities.
Under the Control of Horses Act 1996, local authorities may take a range of actions in relation to equines including prohibiting horses in certain areas, the issuing of licences and the seizure of horses in contravention of the Act. These powers can be used in respect of straying horses, which includes horses put on land without the owner’s permission, including public land. Local authorities may also prosecute offenders. The Act is currently under review within my Department.
My Department also 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
Animal welfare is a key priority for me as Minister and for the Government. Considerable funding is provided to support, eligible, animal welfare charities, nationwide, through the annual Animal Welfare Grant Programme, which is administered by my Department.
In December 2025, I provided funding of almost €6.5 million to 94 animal welfare charities throughout the country, under the Animal Welfare Grants programme. Of that figure, just over €4 million was awarded to charities involved in the care and welfare of horses.
1852. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when members of the Oireachtas can expect an updated strategy or legislative proposals relating to horse traceability, abandonment and welfare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1862/26]
View answerProfessor Patrick Wall was appointed in July 2024 to undertake a root and branch review of the equine traceability system. Professor Wall engaged with stakeholders across the whole equine sector and proposed several wide-ranging recommendations. I converted these recommendations in an action plan which now forms the strategy for the future of equine traceability.
As robust traceability is fundamental to equine welfare, the delivery of the Wall Report Action Plan is already having a positive impact for horses by ensuring accountability, more visible enforcement and increased transparency of how equines are managed. Substantial progress has been made, including the launch of a new central database linking 121,000 equines to their premises, and this ambitious roadmap will continue to guide system improvements.
I have also commenced the process of developing Ireland’s second Animal Welfare Strategy, which will run for the period 2026-2030. As part of the process, I recently held a public consultation inviting submissions, observations and comments regarding where priority should be afforded in the new Animal Welfare Strategy and, by extension, its implementation.
My Department is finalising the process of collating all submissions received. They will then be analysed and will help to inform the new strategy. The new strategy will act as a framework for engagement and collaboration, directing future activities for the benefit of both animals and Irish society. It will also look to build on the progress achieved under the current strategy, while continuing to adopt a ‘One Health, One Welfare’ approach and align seamlessly with my Department’s high level, long-term objectives in relation to animal welfare.
1854. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date in honouring the commitment in the Programme for Government to defend the interests of Irish farmers in all discussions on the proposed Mercosur Trade Deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1887/26]
View answerThe Government has been very clear about Ireland’s concerns in relation to the EU-Mercosur Agreement and has expressed these consistently over a number of years, particularly in relation to the Agreement's potential impact on the beef sector, the strength of its climate and sustainability commitments, and the food safety and environmental standards enforced by Mercosur countries.
Since I took up the role as Minister, I have met with my like-minded EU counterparts to discuss these concerns. I have also raised them at every opportunity at Agri-Fish Council in Brussels. Last Wednesday, I was again able to do so at the extraordinary EU Agriculture Ministers’ meeting with Commissioners Hansen, Šefčovič and Várhelyi.
While improvements have been made to the overall Agreement, including through the proposed regulation on safeguards, we continue to have significant concerns relating to the standards under which imports would be produced, and the impact that this Agreement could have on farming incomes.
Ultimately, the Government has concluded that the recent additional commitments were not sufficient to satisfy these concerns. We have therefore followed through on our commitment under the Programme for Government and voted against the EU-Mercosur Agreement.
1855. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding any product or service purchased from Israel or the Occupied Territories by his Department in 2025, broken down by description and amount paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1973/26]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that my Department has not purchased any product or service from Israel, or the Occupied Territories in 2025.
1856. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department, or any body under its aegis, has funded, or is funding, other than where legal costs were awarded against the employer by a court or tribunal, the legal costs of any current or concluded litigation taken by an employee or former employee against that Department or body, in each of the past five years; if so, to provide details of the number of such cases, the bodies involved, and the total costs incurred in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2013/26]
View answer1857. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the basis on which his Department, or a body under its aegis, may fund the legal costs of an employee or former employee in litigation where that employee is in dispute with, or taking proceedings against, the same body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2031/26]
View answer1858. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether the funding of employee legal costs in disputes against his Department, or a body under its aegis, is standard practice; if not, the circumstances in which such funding may be permitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2049/26]
View answer1860. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether the funding of employee legal costs in litigation against the employing body could give rise to governance, accountability, or value for money concerns; whether his Department has issued any guidance in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2085/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1856, 1857, 1858 and 1860 together.
Litigation is dealt with on behalf of my Department by the Attorney General’s Office, the Chief State Solicitor’s Office or the State Claims Agency who engage lawyers to act for my Department as necessary. The legal costs arising in such litigation are not managed by my Department.
The State Claims Agency manages all litigation relating to personal injury and third party property damage claims, and is also responsible for negotiating all claims for legal costs against my Department. My Department also make payments to settle proceedings on the advice of Counsel and the Office of the Attorney General that it is appropriate to do so. Such payments may include a contribution to the plaintiff's/applicant's legal costs. The details of such settlements and payments are confidential.
Accordingly, legal costs claimed by persons who have initiated proceedings against my Department are paid out only arising from a court order, or where the Department has been advised by Counsel and the Office of the Attorney General that it is appropriate to make such a payment to settle proceedings.
The information requested from agencies under the aegis of my Department, is an operational matter for the agencies themselves. I have referred the Deputy’s question to the Agencies and have requested that a response should issue within 10 days.
1859. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline the guidance, codes, circulars or directions that govern the payment of legal costs by his Department, and bodies under its aegis, in employment-related disputes, including any requirements under the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies or Departmental sanction arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2067/26]
View answerLitigation is dealt with on behalf of the Department by the Attorney General’s Office, the Chief State Solicitor’s Office or the State Claims Agency who engage lawyers to act for my Department where necessary. The State Claims Agency has a remit to manage and negotiate legal costs claims for matters within its remit on behalf of the Department. Legal costs claims arising from litigation against the Department are paid out on foot of a Court Order or where it is considered necessary to settle proceedings, based on the legal advice of Counsel and the Office of the Attorney General. The sanction of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform may also be required.
• Circular 05/2013 addresses the procurement of legal services and the management of legal costs.
• Circular 7/2017 addresses the use of Mediation as an Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanism in the resolution of workplace, contract and other disputes.
• The Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies includes guidance on the management of legal disputes between State bodies.
• In 2024, the Office of the Attorney General published the State Litigation Principles which govern all public bodies.
The information requested from agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for the agencies themselves.
1861. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department has reviewed, or intends to review, the practice of Departments, and bodies under their aegis, funding legal costs in employment disputes involving those same bodies; and if so, the outcome or timeline for such a review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2103/26]
View answerLitigation is dealt with on behalf of the Department by the Attorney General’s Office, the Chief State Solicitor’s Office or the State Claims Agency who engage lawyers to act for my Department where necessary. The legal costs arising in such litigation are not managed by my Department. The State Claims Agency also has a remit to negotiate claims for legal costs claims against the Department. My Department is not aware of any proposed review.
1862. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether arrangements to fund legal costs in employment disputes involving his Department, or bodies under its aegis, require the prior approval of his Department or the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2121/26]
View answerLitigation is dealt with on behalf of my Department by the Attorney General’s Office, the Chief State Solicitor’s Office or the State Claims Agency who engage lawyers to act for my Department where necessary. The legal costs arising in such litigation are not managed by my Department. The State Claims Agency has a remit to negotiate claims for legal costs claims against the Department. Legal costs claimed by persons who have initiated proceedings against the Department are paid out arising from Court Orders, or where it is considered appropriate to settle litigation, based on the advice of Counsel and the Office of the Attorney General. Such settlements may require the sanction of the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.
The information requested from agencies under the aegis of my Department, is an operational matter for the agencies themselves. I have referred the Deputy’s question to the Agencies and have requested that a response should issue within 10 days.
