Written Answers Nos. 951-970
952. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current number of Garda Reserve applicants who have passed the interview and medical but are awaiting vetting clearance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12852/26]
View answerI have contacted An Garda Síochána for the information requested by the Deputy, regrettably this information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
953. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his plans to amend the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 to make provision to allow TDs to be part of the new community safety partnerships that are being established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12853/26]
View answer954. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his plans to amend SI 279/2025, the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 (Section 114) (Safety Partnership) Regulations 2025 to allow TDs to be part of the new community safety partnerships that are being established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12854/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 953 and 954 together.
The Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which I commenced in April 2025, provides for the establishment of Local Community Safety Partnerships (LCSP) within each local authority area.
I recognise the importance of participation by elected representatives and the need to ensure they remain central to the new partnerships. All elected representatives will have opportunities to engage with their Safety Partnership, including a closed meeting for members of the Oireachtas and local authority to meet with members of the Safety Partnership.
Seven local authority members will be nominated to their Local Community Safety Partnerships from amongst, and by, their membership and will have a crucial role to play in ensuring the voice of their constituents is represented. This ensures that local democratic input remains a core element of the new arrangements, while also allowing for wider community representation and expertise.
Appointments to Local Community Safety Partnerships are made with regard to the overall balance of representation and the need to ensure that the partnerships remain locally grounded, community-driven and supported by members with relevant expertise. The composition of each Safety Partnership aims to strike a fair balance between elected representatives, community voices, and key agencies whose cooperation is essential to improving safety outcomes.
The National Office for Community Safety, an office of my Department, is providing support to local authorities and in particular to Local Community Safety Partnership teams, in the process of establishing each Safety Partnership in their area.
The regulations for these Safety Partnerships came into operation in June 2025, and 36 Partnerships are in the process of being established in local authority areas across the country. I have appointed members to 34 Local Community Safety Partnerships and I expect to make the remaining appointments in the near future.
While all legislation is kept regularly under review, I have no plans to amend the legislation at this time.
955. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide an update on the implementation of the NIS2 directive. [12919/26]
View answerThe NIS2 Directive is a revision of the NIS Directive which is currently in force in the State and will remain in full effect covering the most critical operators within the State while the NIS2 Directive is being transposed into national law.
The NIS2 Directive is a complex piece of legislation requiring a complete overhaul of existing national cyber security legislation. The transposition of this legislation is however a critical step forward for Ireland in enhancing our national and cyber security posture and it will mean we are better placed to ensure the resilience of our critical entities, infrastructure and Irish citizens from the ever-present threat of cyber security attacks.
Government also agreed in 2021 to establish the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) on a statutory basis and provide for related matters including clarity around its mandate and role in general and in relation to other actors in the cyber area. This proposal and the transposition of the NIS2 Directive are being taken forward as a single legislative instrument, the National Cyber Security Bill.
The General Scheme of this legislation was published in August 2024. My Department is currently working with the Office of Parliamentary Council on the drafting of the Bill.
I expect to be in a position to bring the Bill to Cabinet shortly seeking approval to have it published. After this point I will seek to introduce the Bill in to the Houses of the Oireachtas as soon as possible, as this legislation is a priority for the Government.
956. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of persons granted Irish citizenship by association under Section 16(1)(a) of the Citizenship Act 1956, for each year for the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12928/26]
View answerAll applications for a certificate of naturalisation are assessed individually in accordance with the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended.
I can inform the Deputy that it is not possible to provide statistics on the number of applications and decisions based on Section 16 'Irish Association' received each year, for the past ten years. This would require the manual examination of thousands of cases. Such an examination would require a disproportionate amount of time to compile.
Following the introduction of the new Section 16 guidelines, arrangements to separately record such applications have now been put in place and will allow for the provision of better statistical data in the near future.
The guidelines provide clarity to both applicants and decision-makers on what factors may be considered when deciding whether to waive such naturalisation conditions under Section 16 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. These new guidelines have been developed in the interests of fair and transparent procedures and comprehensive decision making.
The new guidelines are available on my Department’s Immigration Service website at the following link: [www.irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-a-citizen/]
957. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied with the current enforcement of legislation to protect animals through arrests and animal seizures; if he has considered establishing a specific unit within his Department to combat animal cruelty; if he has considered establishing a specific unit within An Garda Síochána to combat animal cruelty. [12865/26]
View answer982. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures currently in place to ensure equine welfare; if horses can be rehomed if seized by State agents; and the process by which horses are licenced under current legislation. [12861/26]
View answer983. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied with current animal welfare legislation; if he has considered establishing a specific unit within his Department to combat animal abuse cruelty; and if he has considered reform of legislation relating to the protection of horses. [12862/26]
View answer984. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his position on the regulation of urban horses; and if he has concerns over the abuse of horses in urban areas. [12863/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 957, 982, 983 and 984 together.
Animal welfare is a key priority for me as Minister and for the Government. My Department has lead policy responsibility within government for animal welfare and takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously. I am committed to the policy that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner.
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.
My Department is responsible for all policy and legislation in relation to the Control of Horses Act 1996. However, 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, the seizure of horses in contravention of the Act and rehoming of horses.
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 Control of Horses Act 1996, is currently under review within my Department and plans for replacement legislation are advancing.
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.
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.
I recently commenced the process of developing Ireland’s second Animal Welfare strategy, which will run for the period 2026-2030. My Department is finalising the process of analysing all submissions received in the public consultation that ran from November 2025 to January 2026, to help inform the new strategy.
In December 2025, I announced 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.
My Department continues to support urban horse projects nationwide, working with local authorities, charities and community stakeholders. These projects have proven very successful and are aimed specifically at equine welfare and marginalised communities. The projects can foster community leadership and education in responsible horse ownership for young people.
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
I am satisfied that these measures provide a comprehensive framework and sufficient safeguards to ensure the welfare of animals and I have no plans to set up any other authority.
958. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of vacant sites being used as horse stables in Dublin 8; if he is concerned over the abuse of horses at these sites. [12866/26]
View answerAnimal welfare is a key priority for me as Minister and for the Government. My Department has lead policy responsibility within government for animal welfare and takes the matter of animal 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. Primary responsibility for protecting the welfare of equines rests with the owner or keeper.
My Department is responsible for all policy and legislation in relation to the Control of Horses Act 1996. However, 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, the seizure of horses in contravention of the Act and rehoming of horses. 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.
My Department has not received any reports to date in relation to the specific issue raised by the Deputy.
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
959. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of sanitary and phytosanitary checks which were carried out at designated border control posts here on imports covered by common health entry documents for products of animal origin by country of origin in the years 2024, 2025 and to-date in 2026 [11597/26]
View answer960. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of common health entry documents for products of animal origin that were processed by his officials by designated border control posts of entry for the years of 2024, 2025 and to-date in 2026, in tabular form. [11598/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 959 and 960 together.
My Department is the Competent Authority in Ireland responsible for ensuring that imports of Products of animal origin, Live Animals, Germinal Products, Animal by-products (ABP) and Plant products from third countries into Ireland are safe and meet specific import conditions laid down in European legislation. My Department carries out import controls at specific points of entry referred to as Border Control Posts (BCPs). Controls carried out by my Department at BCPs are in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/625 and Regulation (EU) 2021/632.
The table in the attached document provides the details of the third country imports of products of animal origin which enter into the European Union through Irish Border Control Posts in 2024, 2025 and 2026, all of which required a common health entry document (CHEDP) and had a sanitary/phytosanitary inspection.
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961. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the total level of Exchequer funding spent by his Department on funding NGOs, by organisation, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11790/26]
View answer962. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the total level of Exchequer funding spent on funding NGOs by his Department, in each of the years since 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11808/26]
View answer963. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the assessments that are carried out to determine the level of Exchequer funding that any NGO receives from his Department on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11826/26]
View answer964. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding any direct lobbying he has received from any NGO in relation to his annual funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11846/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 961, 962, 963 and 964 together.
I wish to inform the Deputy that the total level of Exchequer funding spent by my Department on funding NGOs, by organisation, in each of the years since 2022, is set out in the attached table. [<ahref="https:/data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/debates/questions/supportingDocumentation/2026-02-17_pq961-17-02-2026_en.docx">PQanswer</a>]
All grants paid by my Department are in accordance with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation Circular 13 of 2014. To qualify, applicants must meet specified requirements, which are made available through the application process. Awards are made on the basis of objective criteria, which are constantly reviewed.
In relation to lobbying, my position is that all grant funding paid by my Department is assessed on the basis of the objective criteria outlined above and in accordance with Circular 13 of 2014.
965. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the projects, if any, which he has designated under s.20 of the Future Ireland Fund and Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund Act 2024; the dates of their designation; and to supply a copy of the designations. [11889/26]
View answerAs outlined in the Programme for Government 2025, there was a commitment to fully fund the Future Ireland Fund (FIF) and the Infrastructure, Climate, Nature Fund (ICNF) as set down in legislation.
The review of the National Development Plan in July last year encompassed all public capital investment, including that available from the ICNF. My Department's National Development Sectoral Plan 2026-2030 sets out a new five-year capital allocation, with an allocation of €1.625 billion of public funding.
The Department did not receive any funding under Section 20 of the Future Ireland Fund and Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund Act 2024.
966. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on the public consultation on the management of the crayfish fishery held in 2021 by his Department; if any report was finalised following that consultation; if so, the reason it was never published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11907/26]
View answer967. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of the number of submissions received by his Department as part of the public consultation on the management of the crayfish fishery; to provide a summary of those submissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11908/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 966 and 967 together.
I can inform the Deputy that a public consultation on the crayfish fishery conducted in 2021 aimed to gather views on the future management of the fishery, focusing on eliminating by-catch and ensuring the sustainability of crayfish stocks. A total of 49 submissions were received, with 37 directly from the fishing industry and their representatives, accounting for 75% of responses. Other submissions included 2 from environmental NGOs, 2 from state bodies, 5 from members of the general public, and 3 from other respondents.
My Department’s analysis of this consultation revealed mixed findings. On the issue of by-catch in the fishery, responses were divided, with 37% confirming its occurrence and 49% refuting its significance. While a number of conservation measures were suggested by respondents, including the banning of tangle nets, limiting fishing seasons, reducing soak times, and transitioning to pot fishing, 20% of respondents felt no additional measures were necessary. A majority of respondents (56%) opposed prohibiting tangle nets in the project area, citing economic impacts and potential overfishing in other areas. However, 73% of respondents believed in the potential to develop management measures that would balance operators’ incomes and conservation goals.
The results of the consultation were not published as there was a clear need for further evaluation and integration with ongoing research conducted by the Marine Institute (MI) on the crayfish fishery. This MI study, funded by my Department under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), has focused on improving data collection, exploring alternative fishing methods, and developing sustainable management proposals. The consultation findings were used to inform the project’s work and may assist in guiding future policy decisions.
The consultation highlighted the importance of balancing conservation efforts with the economic viability of the crayfish fishery. While fishers expressed concerns about the potential impact of new measures on their livelihoods, there was general agreement on the potential for management measures to protect the crayfish stock and endangered species.
My Department is committed to engaging with fishers and other stakeholders and advancing research through the work of the MI to ensure the long-term sustainability of the crayfish fishery while protecting Ireland’s marine biodiversity. The MI continues to work closely with fishers in the project area, and their active participation in this work has been hugely important and I would like to thank them for their valuable input.
968. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the work being carried out to support the development of sustainable conservation measures for the crayfish fishery inside 12NM between Mizen Head and Loop Head; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11909/26]
View answer969. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will, in light of the recent Marine Institute study on bycatch in the crayfishery, introduce tangle net exclusion zones from critical shark habitats; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11910/26]
View answer970. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will introduce a payment scheme to support inshore fishers in the crayfishery, as a just transition mechanism, and as part of robust management measures to protect critically endangered species currently at risk from tangle nets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11911/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 968, 969 and 970 together.
The crayfish fishery is vital to the livelihoods of inshore fishers, particularly along the southwest coast. My Department has been working to address a number of concerns associated with the use of tangle nets in this fishery.
My Department, under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), has funded research undertaken by the Marine Institute (MI) to improve data collection and explore alternative fishing methods that mitigate by-catch while supporting the economic viability of the fishery. The MI’s recently published report on catch, by-catch, fishing effort, and spatial distribution in the crayfish fishery in Tralee Bay and Dingle Bay from 2021 to 2024 provides valuable insights into the fishery and has laid the groundwork for developing sustainable conservation measures. My Department is currently examining the findings of the study and its recommendations and I would like to acknowledge the important role of the crayfish operators who contributed to this study.
Currently there are a number of management measures in place to support the sustainability of the crayfish fishery (crayfish is referred to in the regulations as “crawfish”). These include the Crawfish (Conservation of Stocks) Regulations 2019 (S.I. No. 289 of 2019), which require all crawfish containing a v-notch to be returned alive to the sea, and the Crawfish (Conservation of Stocks) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 232 of 2006), which prohibit the landing of any crawfish whose carapace length is less than 110 mm. Additionally, and specifically in mitigating by-catch, the Crawfish (Fisheries Management and Conservation) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 233 of 2006) provide for a ban on the taking of crawfish by means of nets in two specified areas off the Galway and Kerry coasts. These measures are complemented by ongoing engagement between the MI and fishers in the area with these efforts aiming to reduce by-catch and ensure the long-term sustainability of the fishery. In addition, my Department is engaging with the MI and industry representatives on additional management measures for the crayfish fishery. Such measures will be based on scientific evidence and implemented in collaboration with the inshore fishing sector to minimise economic disruption while maximising conservation outcomes.
I can inform the Deputy that the MI has successfully trialled crayfish pots as a low-impact fishing method, and a larger-scale trial is planned for this year to simulate a commercial pot fishery. This trial will assess the economic feasibility of pot fishing and in transitioning away from tangle netting, ensuring that this shift does not result in job losses for fishers. The MI also advise that the effective design of any potential exclusion zone, including the outlining of suitable boundaries, would require further consideration of behaviour, habitat use and migration patterns of by-catch species as well as the geographic distribution of by-catch risk in relation to the operational location of relevant fisheries.
The primary source of funding for the Irish commercial seafood sector is the EMFAF (2021-2027) programme, one of a number of European cohesion funds. The EMFAF Regulation is aligned with the objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), and the EMFAF Regulation does not make provision for income supports to primary producers in the seafood sector. There is little scope to implement funding supports of the type referred to by the Deputy under existing EU state aid Regulations in the fisheries sector.
I can, however, assure the Deputy that my Department is committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that future management decisions are informed, equitable, and effective, balancing ecological conservation with economic sustainability.
