Written Answers Nos. 791-810
791. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the percentage of all European Union fish stocks that was caught in the Irish EEZ under the Common Fisheries Policy, in each of the years 2005 to 2025. [3497/26]
View answerUnder the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), official landing statistics are reported by Member States by ICES division, rather than by Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and most ICES divisions straddle more than one EEZ area. Landings are also reported by statistical rectangles - these are the smallest spatial unit by which catches are reported (approx. 36 x 30 nautical miles in size).
In order to estimate the landings from the Irish EEZ, the best available method is to sum the data by statistical rectangle for all of these units in the Irish EEZ. For rectangles that fall partially inside the EEZ, the landings inside the EEZ are assumed to be proportional to the spatial area of the rectangle that lies inside the EEZ.
In 2022, my Department - working with the Marine Institute (MI) and Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) - published a Fact sheet setting out the landings volume (in tonnes) and value (in millions of Euro) for the main quota and non-quota species caught in the Irish EEZ for the period from 2016 to 2020 (copy attached). [<ahref="https:/data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/debates/questions/supportingDocumentation/2026-01-20_pq791-20-01-2026_en.pdf">PQanswer</a>]
I have asked my Department to work with the Marine Institute and SFPA to compile the data for the additional years requested by the Deputy.
792. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to list the roles within public or semi-State organisations under his Department that are excluded from the single public service pension scheme; the number of people employed in those roles, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3610/26]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy regarding the 13 State Bodies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for the State Bodies themselves.
I have referred the Deputy’s question to the State Bodies and have requested that a response should issue within 10 days.
793. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of people employed full-time, and part-time by Rásaíocht Con Éireann, by job title, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3674/26]
View answerRásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a commercial state body established under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to my Department.
The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for RCÉ and, therefore, the question has been referred to that body for direct reply.
794. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason it is necessary for the owners of non-coursing greyhounds to register their dogs at several different stages in the Irish Greyhound Stud Book held by the Irish Coursing Club (details supplied); his plans to amend the relevant legislation to remove this obligation as it pertains to the owners of non-coursing greyhounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3675/26]
View answerThe Irish Coursing Club (ICC) is the organisation charged with the role of Keeper of the Irish Greyhound Stud Book (IGSB) since 1923. The Stud Book records pedigrees, ownerships, breeding data and transfers of ownership of all greyhounds on the island of Ireland. The ICC is subject to the general control and direction of Rásaíocht Con Éireann.
The objectives of the ICC are set out in the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 and among these objectives is "the promotion of the breeding of thoroughbred greyhounds (including maintenance of the Irish Greyhound Stud Book)” and it also states that “The Irish Coursing Club (in this Constitution referred to as the Club) shall be the controlling authority over matters relating to the breeding (including registration and identification) of thoroughbred greyhounds”
I have no plans to change the legislation.
795. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which he justifies expecting Irish beef farmers to abide by high standards and regulations for the production of beef, when it is now envisaged that a certain amount of beef will now be for sale to Irish consumers as a result of the so-called Mercosur agreement which falls well below those standards. [3698/26]
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, including on food safety and environmental standards enforced by Mercosur countries.
I recognise that Irish and EU farmers are subject to complex regulations requiring them to farm in a sustainable manner, which is why it is important to ensure that farmers in Mercosur countries are subject to the same requirements.
It is important to note, in terms of food safety, and animal and plant health - or SPS - standards that the EU’s standards are among the highest in the world and the Commission has consistently stated that these were never up for negotiation.
The Government is very firmly of the view that EU SPS standards must continue to be rigorously upheld for the benefit of European consumers. Indeed, the Commission has recently announced additional SPS checks and control measures, including a 50% increase in the number of audits carried out in non-EU countries over the next two years, a 33% increase in audits of EU Border Control Posts and closer monitoring of non-compliant commodities and countries.
The Commission has also committed to rolling out initiatives to better align the production standards of imported products with EU standards. We will continue to assess the detail of these proposals, and to engage intensively on their progression.
796. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an appeal in the name of a person (details supplied); if the penalty applied will be reduced; the outcome of the inspection carried out on the 12 December 2025; and the penalty to be applied. [3757/26]
View answerMy Department conducted an inspection on 10 December 2024 on the applicant’s holding and a subsequently received a cross report from the Local Authority. On foot of the non-compliances detected an overall sanction of 20% was applied following that inspection. The applicant sought a review of that decision on 11 April 2025 and the applicant was notified that this review upheld the results of the inspection finding on 20 May 2025. During this process My Department formally notified the applicant of his right to seek an appeal of that decision to the Independent Agriculture Appeals Office.
My Department conducted an on-farm conditionality inspection on 12 December 2025 on the holding of the named applicant. During the inspection a number of non-compliances were found and the file is currently being processed. A final decision regarding the overall sanction to be applied in respect of the December 2025 inspection will be notified to the applicant shortly. As was the case previously, the letter will inform him of his right to seek a review of that decision to the local district inspector. If that review is not successful, the applicant will be notified of his right to seek an appeal of that decision to the independent Agricultural Appeals Office.
I hope this clarifies the status of both inspections.
797. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to list all bilateral and multilateral meetings held since January 2025 with Ministers or senior officials from other EU member states at which the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement was discussed; and to provide the date, location, format, and countries represented at each meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3780/26]
View answer798. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether minutes, notes, or formal read-outs were prepared for each meeting at which the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement was discussed with other EU member states; and if so, whether these records will be published or otherwise made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3781/26]
View answer799. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if briefing notes, submissions, or speaking points were prepared for Ministers or officials in advance of meetings with EU counterparts concerning opposition to the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement; the number and dates of such briefings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3782/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 797 to 799, inclusive, together.
The 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 last year, 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, and was again able to do so at the recent extraordinary EU Agriculture Ministers’ meeting with Commissioners Hansen, Šefčovič and Várhelyi.
As part of preparations for these engagements, briefing notes are generally prepared in advance. Due to the Agreement currently being part of an ongoing deliberative process, my Department will not be releasing the records referred to by the Deputy and does not intend to publish these records.
I raised our concerns on the EU-Mercosur Agreement during multilateral engagements at Agri-Fish Council meetings on 27 January (Brussels), 24 February (Brussels), 24 March (Brussels), 23 June (Luxembourg), 7 July (Brussels), 22-23 September (Brussels), 17 November (Brussels) and, as mentioned, at the extraordinary meeting of EU Agriculture Ministers on 7 January 2026 (Brussels).
The specific bilateral engagements with my EU counterparts on the EU-Mercosur Agreement are listed below.
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EU Member State |
Details |
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France |
• Three formal bilateral meetings at the March, September and November 2025 Agri-Fish Councils in Brussels • Discussion on the margins of the January 2026 EU Agriculture Ministers’ meeting in Brussels |
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Italy |
• Formal bilateral meeting at the February 2025 Agri-Fish Council meeting • Two discussions on the margins at the November 2025 and January 2026 EU Agriculture Ministers’ meeting in Brussels |
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Poland |
• Formal bilateral meetings at the Danish Informal Council meeting in September 2025 and on the margins of the January 2026 Agri-Fish council in Brussels |
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Austria |
• Formal bilateral Meeting at Agri-fish Council May 2025 in Brussels |
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Cyprus |
• Formal bilateral Meeting at Agri-fish Council July 2025 in Brussels. |
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Latvia |
• Formal bilateral meeting at the May 2025 Agri-Fish Council in Brussels |
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Slovakia |
• Formal bilateral meeting at the December 2025 Agri-Fish Council in Brussels.
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800. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of occasions on which Ireland formally raised opposition to the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement at meetings of the AGRIFISH Council since January 2025; the steps that were taken at those meetings to build or consolidate opposition among EU member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3785/26]
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 last year, 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 and was again able to do so at the recent extraordinary EU Agriculture Ministers’ meeting with Commissioners Hansen, Šefčovič and Várhelyi.
The specific Agri-Fish Council meetings in which I raised our concerns on the EU-Mercosur Agreement within appropriate agenda items are as follows:
• 27 January 2025
• 24 February 2025
• 24 March 2025
• 23 June 2025
• 7 July 2025
• 22-23 September 2025
• 17 November 2025
• 7 January 2026 (Extraordinary meeting of EU Agriculture Ministers)
801. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an up-to-date contact list for queries from Oireachtas Members to agencies under his Department, in tabular form. [3864/26]
View answerThe information requested regarding the dedicated email address for each of the State Bodies under the remit of my Department is set out in the table below.
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State Body |
Email Address for Oireachtas Members |
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Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board |
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Marine Institute |
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Bord Iascaigh Mhara |
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Sea Fisheries Protection Authority |
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Greyhound Racing Ireland |
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Horse Racing Ireland |
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National Milk Agency |
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Teagasc |
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Irish National Stud |
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Bord Bia |
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Coillte |
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Veterinary Council of Ireland |
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An Rialálaí Agraibhia |
[Oireachtas@agrifoodregulator.ie]
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802. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter raised in correspondence in relation to the proposed 2026 introduction of a recreational bag limit of three pollack per person per day and its potential impact (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3917/26]
View answerThe advice on fish stocks, including Pollack, published by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) forms the basis of the scientific advice used by the European Commission in proposing Total Allowable Catches (TACs).
As Pollack is found in both EU and UK waters, both parties must agree on setting the TAC for this stock. The European Commission has sole competence to negotiate with Third Countries, including the UK, on behalf of the EU on the setting of fishing opportunities.
The ICES advice for Pollack in ICES Areas 6-7 (the waters around Ireland) for 2024 and 2025 was for zero catch. Therefore, for these years, the EU and UK agreed on a limited, by-catch only TAC for commercial Pollack fishing in Areas 6-7 to avoid a "choke" situation which would lead to the premature closure of whitefish fisheries where Pollack is caught as a by-catch.
The ICES advice for this stock for 2026 increased from zero catch however, the stock remains in a vulnerable state due to low recruitment over the last number of years.
The ICES advice also highlights that recreational catches account for a significant portion of the fishing mortality for this stock. Therefore, management measures for recreational fishing for Pollack must be considered.
My Department, along with the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment and Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) - which have responsibility for recreational fishing - worked with the Commission and other Member States on potential management measures for recreational Pollack fishing.
During the bilateral consultations with the UK, both parties recognised the need to introduce limits for recreational fishing to further reduce fishing mortality and support stock recovery. It was agreed that a maximum of three specimen of Pollack could be caught and retained per fisher per day for recreational catches of Pollack in ICES areas 6 and 7.
Operational aspects of the management measures for the recreational fishing of Pollack, including engagement with angling and charter skipper representative groups, is a matter for the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment and IFI.
803. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will introduce a Bill to protect farmers' incomes, protect succession rights (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3984/26]
View answerIreland's CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027 has a significant budget of €9.8 billion over five years, the highest funded programme to date, with the Government committing €2.3 billion to co-fund the rural development elements. Most of the budget, some 60%, is targeted towards income support, through Direct Payments to farmers and support payments for Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC).
The majority of the rest of the funds is being paid to farmers through the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES), our flagship €1.5 billion agri-environment scheme, and targeted supports to farmers under schemes such as Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme, the Sheep Improvement Scheme and the Organic Farming Scheme. In addition, the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) provides grant aid to support capital investments by farmers. As we now look to the next CAP programming period, this CAP Strategic Plan will continue to protect family farm incomes; support the rural economy; ensure the production of high-quality safe food for consumers; and protect rural landscapes and the environment.
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.
The EU Commission has also published a new Strategy for Generational Renewal in Agriculture, and this will be central to the next CAP. 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.
804. 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. [3987/26]
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.
805. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to promote grants for installing solar panels on farm buildings in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4009/26]
View answerThe Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3), which is EU co-funded, provides grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings.
The Solar Capital Investment scheme is one of the measures in TAMS, which provides support to farmers wishing to invest in renewable energy, thereby reducing their dependence on fossil fuels. The objective of the scheme is to enable farmers to consume solar PV-generated electricity on site to meet their farm electricity demand, including the dwelling house. In order to encourage the purchase of solar investments, the solar scheme is ringfenced with its own investment ceiling of €90,000, and grant aided at the enhanced rate of 60%.
Under the current EU regulations and under the CAP Strategic Plan, it is required that the electricity generated annually from the installed solar PV system does not exceed the annual electricity demand of the farmyard, including the dwelling house.
There may be occasions, however, over a 12-month period when the electricity generated will surpass the farmyard/dwelling house demand. In these cases, the surplus electricity is spilled over to the grid and it is permissible for the farmer to receive remuneration for the quantity that spills over. This spillover of generated electricity is paid for under the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG), which is available to all renewable generators, including farmers. The price for the spillover electricity is set by the energy provider under the Clean Export Guarantee.
As part of the TAMS application, an ‘On Farm Solar PV Survey’ must be completed and submitted with the application to quantify the holding's annual electricity demand and the planned electricity supply from the proposed development. An application may be rejected or amended if the applicant cannot demonstrate that the electricity produced annually from the solar panels is not in excess of the annual electricity demand of the applicant’s agricultural holding. The maximum size of panel eligible for grant aid currently is 62 kW. It should be noted that an applicant can install additional panels but at their own cost.
The supports available under TAMS for the installation of solar panels are in keeping with my commitment to assist farmers to address climate and sustainability targets. My Department will continue to promote their take-up by farmers and to ensure prompt and efficient processing of applications and approvals, while operating within the budgetary constraints associated with TAMS and the wider CAP Strategic Plan.
806. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the concessions and safeguards which have been included in the updated Mercosur trade agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4010/26]
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.
The regulation on safeguards for agricultural products has been agreed between the Council and Parliament and final formalities are expected to be completed by the Parliament shortly. The regulation makes commitments regarding automatic triggers for safeguard investigations based on import volumes and prices, quicker time-frames for investigations, and monitoring and reporting on import levels by the Commission.
The final safeguards triggers followed negotiations between the Council - which had initially set triggers at 10% - and European Parliament, which provisionally agreed to 8% following trilogue negotiations with Council. Following an intervention from Commissioner Šefčovič at a meeting of EU Agriculture Ministers which I participated in on 7 January, the proposed triggers for activating these safeguards will be set at a further reduced threshold of 5% of import volume increase or 5% price reduction at individual member state level over a three-year average period.
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 the concerns of our farmers and our consumers. Therefore, we have followed through on our commitment under the Programme for Government and taken a decision to vote against the EU-Mercosur Agreement.
807. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to increase forestry grants to landowners who wish to plant some or all of their lands or additional lands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4011/26]
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.
808. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to significantly increase the funding to the horse racing and greyhound industry, to enable these industries to prosper and thrive into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4012/26]
View answerThe horse and greyhound racing industries receive financial support from the State through the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund, under Section 12 of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001. Payments are made from the Fund to Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) and to Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ).
The decision on the proposed amount to be allocated to the Fund in any year is made in the context of the annual budgetary estimates process. The Estimates for my Department, passed by both Houses as part of Budget 2026, include an allocation of €99.1 million for the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund. This will be distributed in accordance with Section 12(6) of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, with 80% or €79.3 million going to HRI, and 20%, equating to €19.8 million to RCÉ.
As required under the legislation, following approval by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food and having been debated and passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas, this funding was secured for the two industries for 2026.
809. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount spent on media consultants by Bord Iascaigh Mhara; the dates of the consultancy/ training for each of the years 2020 to 2025, in tabular form. [4049/26]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy regarding An Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) is an operational matter for BIM.
I have referred the Deputy’s question to BIM and have requested that they respond directly to the Deputy.
810. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount spent on media consultants by the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority; the dates of the consultancy/ training for each of the years 2020 to 2025, in tabular form. [4050/26]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy regarding the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority is an operational matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority.
I have referred the Deputy’s question to the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and have requested that they respond directly to the Deputy.
