Written Answers Nos. 971-990
971. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the systems in place to agree performance metrics of Chief Executives of agencies within the aegis of his Department; the way in which these are measured; the person or body that carries out the assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11951/26]
View answerIn line with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, the performance metrics of the State Bodies under the remit of my Department are agreed with my Department through the Performance Delivery Agreements for the Non Commercial State Bodies and through the Shareholder Letters of Expectation for the Commercial State Bodies.
The performance metrics of the Chief Executives of agencies under the remit of my Department is an operational matter for the State Bodies themselves.
I have referred the Deputy’s question to the 13 State Bodies under the aegis of my Department and have requested that a response should issue within 10 days.
972. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when decision letters will issue to applicants of the third window for non-productive investments (NPI) available to participants in the co-operation approach of ACRES which commenced on 5 August 2025 and closed on 17 October 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12025/26]
View answerNon-Productive Investments (NPIs) are actions that are available to participants in the Co-operation approach of ACRES to directly address environmental issues on the farm, thereby increasing the farmer's capacity to improve field scores through appropriate management, as well as to contribute to wider environmental objectives.
A specific NPI application window opens each year, at which time applications in the form of Annual Work Plans (AWPs), are prepared and submitted by ACRES advisors on behalf of their clients. All submitted AWPs are then screened by the local Co-Operation Project teams.
Decision letters in respect of the NPI AWPs for 2025 are expected to issue in April.
973. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the effect of biodiversity loss on food system and supply chain resilience; the updated figures on the value and volume of agri-food imports for the 2019-2025 period; his views on the way the Government is taking steps to build sustainable food systems to ensure domestic food security, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12048/26]
View answerIn keeping with our approach to delivering sustainable agriculture and food as set out in Food Vision 2030, the growth of agri-food exports has been driven by value rather than volume in recent years. The midterm review of Food Vision 2030, which is underway, will ensure that it remains ambitious, focused, and responsive to evolving challenges and opportunities.
Ireland is among the most food secure countries in the world and was ranked second out of 113 countries in the most recent Global Food Security Index. The Teagasc Sustainability Report 2024 estimates that Irish farms produce sufficient protein to meet the requirements of over 30 million people. Our participation in EU single market and the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) is key to food security and the Government continues to support farmers through Ireland’s €9.8 billion CAP Strategic Plan 2023-27. I will continue to actively engage in current CAP negotiations to ensure an ambitious, workable and adequately funded CAP post-2027. Furthermore, the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council, of which I am a member, continues to support the work of the European Food Security Crisis preparedness and response Mechanism.
The current CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 is Ireland’s most ambitious in the environmental context. Our flagship Agri-environment scheme, ACRES, supports some 54,000 farmers in taking action on the environment and in particular in respect of Biodiversity, with over a million hectares scored for habitat condition. ECO Scheme and Organic Farming scheme also support implementation of Ireland’s 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan 2030-2030, with approximately 248,000 hectares (5.5% of agricultural land area) being farmed organically. My Department is committed to delivering for Biodiversity through the actions under the National Biodiversity Action Plan and supporting the National Park and Wildlife Services (NPWS) in the development of the Nature Restoration Plan. We continue to work closely with the NPWS in delivering biodiversity positive European Innovation Projects (EIPs).
Food Vision 2030 commits the seafood sector to continuing on a path of sustainable economic and environmental development by carefully managing sea-fisheries and aquaculture production activities. This objective goes hand-in-hand with ongoing actions for the sector under the current National Biodiversity Action Plan.
The table below presents the latest Central Statistics Office data available for agri-food imports for the 2019-2025 period. A breakdown by category is available in the attached tables.[<ahref="https:/data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/debates/questions/supportingDocumentation/026-02-17_pq973-17-02-2026_en.xlsx">PQanswer</a>]
|
Period |
Value (Millions of Euro) |
Volume (Thousands of Tonnes) |
|
Jan-Dec 2019 |
9,995 |
11,899 |
|
Jan - Dec 2020 |
10,246 |
11,854 |
|
Jan - Dec 2021 |
10,021 |
11,230 |
|
Jan - Dec 2022 |
12,629 |
12,132 |
|
Jan - Dec 2023 |
13,242 |
12,182 |
|
Jan - Dec 2024 |
13,969 |
13,495 |
|
Jan - Nov 2025* |
13,618 |
12,888 |
974. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of the recent death of a horse in a sulky race (details supplied); the current legal status of sulky racing in Ireland; if there are measures to better regulate this practice; his plans for better animal welfare regulations, particularly in the equine sports sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12255/26]
View answerMy Department strongly condemns the mistreatment of any animal and takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously. Neglect of or causing unnecessary suffering to animals is not acceptable in our society.
I am aware of this incident which I understand that it may be under investigation by An Garda Síochána.
My Department is committed 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.
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.
The use of sulkies on public roads specifically, as with the use of all vehicles, including animal-drawn vehicles, is governed by the relevant provisions of the Roads and Road Traffic Acts. Matters in connection with this legislation would be a matter for the Minister for Transport. In addition, the drivers of all vehicles used on public roads, including horse-drawn carriages, are required to comply with road traffic legislation and to behave in a safe manner paying due care to other road users. The enforcement of such road traffic legislation is a matter for An Garda Síochána.
In December 2025, my Department 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.
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
Any reports of neglect or cruelty to animals are investigated.
975. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address the concerns regarding Bord Bia governance raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12275/26]
View answerOn the Governance of Bord Bia, my Department is guided by both the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies (the Code), and the Bord Bia Acts.
The Code provides a framework for the application of best practice in corporate governance by all State bodies, both commercial and non-commercial.
Appointments to the Board of Bord Bia are made in accordance with the Code, Bord Bia’s Governing Acts and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reforms - Guidelines on Appointment to State Bodies (November 2014).
All board members also complete conflict of interest returns annually.
I am satisfied that all requirements of the Code are being met at both appointment stage and during members terms on the board, and that these Governance arrangements fully protect the statutory role of Bord Bia.
I convened a meeting of key stakeholders on Friday 13 February. This meeting included a discussion on the specific issues concerning Bord Bia, where all participants had the chance to express their views.
As a result of these discussions, Bord Bia in consultation with my Department has committed to:
• Revisit the focus on farmer experiences with audits, as we move towards the end of the criteria review process in the Technical Advisory Committees.
• Establish a farmer forum on Quality Assurance Schemes to improve farmer engagement and two-way feedback on the work of Bord Bia.
• A dedicated information campaign, with stakeholder input, to better inform the general public about the Origin Green and Quality Assurance Schemes and what that means for consumers in Ireland and elsewhere.
My Department will also undertake an initiative to enhance understanding of global supply chains for Irish food and drink and an understanding of labelling and food information for the consumer requirements.
I have asked all parties to engage with this process in good faith, and to provide further feedback.
976. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to ensure that Ireland gets the best possible CAP deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12416/26]
View answerSince the publication of the Commission’s proposals last July, I have consistently emphasised that the future CAP must support viable farm incomes, food security, generational renewal and vibrant rural communities, while enabling farmers to meet environmental and climate objectives in a practical and proportionate way.
In an increasingly uncertain global context, food security and food sovereignty are fundamental strategic priorities for the European Union. For Ireland, the CAP remains a vital instrument to underpin food production, stabilise farm incomes and support resilience across the agricultural sector.
Ireland is engaging actively and constructively at EU level to influence the direction of discussions, reflecting the diversity of farming systems, national circumstances and budgetary realities. I will continue to advocate strongly for a CAP post-2027 that is sufficiently resourced, workable in practice, and capable of delivering for Irish farmers, rural areas and wider society.
977. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if traceability records will be made publicly accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12620/26]
View answerThe requirement for the maintenance of traceability records is set down in EU legislation in Article 18 of Regulation 178/2002 which requires that the traceability of food, feed, food-producing animals, and any other substance intended to be, or expected to be, incorporated into a food or feed shall be established at all stages of production, processing and distribution. This requires that all food business operators are able to identify all their suppliers and customers (i.e. one step forward and one step back) with some exceptions (e.g. restaurants and mass caterers are not expected to maintain data on their customers). This information must be made available to the competent authority on request. As maintenance of this data by the food business operator is legally required, and auditable, traceability information is not centrally stored and is not made publicly accessible.
978. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if processors will be required to publish the proportions of Irish and non-Irish products of animal origin processed in their plants, and that are contained in their final products, whether ready to eat or non ready to eat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12621/26]
View answerMy colleague, the Minister for Health has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation. However, my Department plays a role in the enforcement of this legislation under service contract to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.
The overarching legislative framework for food information to consumers is Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the provision of food information to consumers (FIC). Under this EU Regulation, the general rule is that the indication of the country of origin or place of provenance is mandatory where failure to indicate this might mislead the consumer as to the true country of origin or place of provenance of the food.
Article 26(3) of the EU FIC Regulation provides that where the country of origin or the place of provenance of a food is given and where it is not the same as that of its primary ingredient, the country of origin or place of provenance of the primary ingredient in question shall also be given. This Article aims at preventing misleading food information which implies a certain origin of a food, when in fact its true origin is different. The rules for indicating the country of origin or place of provenance of the primary ingredient of a food are set out in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/775.
Where 'Product of Ireland' is displayed on the food and is different from the country of origin or place of provenance of the primary ingredient, it must be accompanied by country of origin or place of provenance of the primary ingredient.
A primary ingredient is defined as meaning ‘an ingredient or ingredients of a food that represent more than 50% of that food or which are usually associated with the name of the food by the consumer and for which in most cases a quantitative indication is required’.
I convened a meeting of key stakeholders on Friday 13 February. As a result of these discussions, my Department has committed to undertake an initiative to enhance understanding of global supply chains for Irish food and drink and an understanding of labelling and food information for the consumer requirements.
979. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the quantity of third country imports of products of animal origin that went to each of the approved/registered meat establishments disaggregated by species and activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12622/26]
View answerThe data requested is not available broken down by approved or registered meat establishment, for reasons of commercial confidentiality.
980. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for the number of farmers still impacted by the delay in payments under the ACRES scheme for 2023 on a county by county basis, when the issue will be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12638/26]
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 under 53,600 participants in ACRES.
The following table represents the number of farmers awaiting their ACRES payment in respect of scheme year 2023.
|
County |
Total |
|
Carlow |
2 |
|
Cavan |
2 |
|
Clare |
4 |
|
Cork |
7 |
|
Donegal |
13 |
|
Dublin |
1 |
|
Galway |
15 |
|
Kerry |
10 |
|
Kildare |
2 |
|
Kilkenny |
2 |
|
Laois |
3 |
|
Leitrim |
2 |
|
Limerick |
4 |
|
Longford |
2 |
|
Louth |
2 |
|
Mayo |
8 |
|
Meath |
3 |
|
Monaghan |
2 |
|
Offaly |
3 |
|
Roscommon |
2 |
|
Sligo |
4 |
|
Tipperary |
2 |
|
Waterford |
3 |
|
Westmeath |
2 |
|
Wexford |
3 |
|
Wicklow |
3 |
|
Total |
106 |
A total of almost €743.2 million has been paid in respect of the core ACRES scheme to date to ACRES participants. About 99.8% of those eligible for payment for the 2023 scheme year have been paid, while almost 97% of active participating herds are fully up to date with payments, including advance payments in respect of participation in 2025.
In respect of the majority of the remaining 2023 scheme year cases, payments have not yet issued because the legalities following death of the contract holder have not been finalised to date. Once any case passes the required validation checks it will be added to the next scheduled payment run. Payment runs are currently scheduled on a weekly basis.
It is important to note that these figures are accurate at this moment in time but are subject to change for various reasons, such as when probate is finalised and payment issues, when participants withdraw from the scheme or when participants are reinstated into the scheme following a successful appeal.
981. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the posts within his Department which necessitate a person being a qualified veterinarian; the WTE of each, by category; the number of which currently vacant and the length of any such vacancy, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12693/26]
View answerMy Department is committed to ensuring that a skilled and motivated workforce is in place to meet its priority business needs. Workforce planning processes are utilised to identify requirements across all grade streams and locations, aiming to ensure a long-term, proactive and strategic plan by which current and future staffing needs are addressed.
Staff with veterinary qualifications undertake a variety of roles within my Department including food safety, animal health and welfare, certification of exports and provision of laboratory services.
Overall staffing levels and required skills are monitored on an ongoing basis to ensure business needs are met within budgetary and organisational priorities.
Requirements are continually addressed to minimise the duration for which a post remains vacant. While it is recognised that the timeline associated with the filling of vacancies can vary, it is important to highlight that vacancies which take longer to fill are reflective of multiple factors, including today’s highly competitive job market. I am content that work to fill all vacancies is a permanent feature of my Department’s work and assignments are ongoing across all grade streams to ensure the prompt and efficient delivery of services.
The table below lists the grades within my Department which require veterinary qualifications along with the number of officers serving within each of these grades and the number of vacancies within each of these grades. The information reflects the position as at 9th February 2026. Further assignments are underway with commencement dates pending in the coming weeks which will impact the information being provided.
|
Posts requiring Veterinary Qualifications |
Number of officers serving at 9/02/2026 |
Number of vacancies at 9/02/2026 |
|
Chief Veterinary Officer |
1 |
|
|
Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer |
2 |
|
|
Research Officer |
24 |
2 |
|
Senior Research Officer |
15 |
2 |
|
Senior Superintending Veterinary Inspector |
11 |
|
|
Superintending Senior Research Officer |
6 |
|
|
Superintending Veterinary Inspector |
52 |
3 |
|
Veterinary Inspector |
308 |
10
|
985. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the amount the third party residential care model costs compared with services provided directly through HSE with regard to costings. [12223/26]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
986. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality which public sector bodies have met the 6% employment target for people with disabilities as of 1 January 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12330/26]
View answer987. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her Department has conducted audits or inspections to monitor compliance with the disability employment targets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12331/26]
View answer988. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality when the results of public sector progress towards the 6% target will be published; the format; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12333/26]
View answer989. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the way the 6% public sector target aligns with broader national strategies for the employment of people with disabilities; the plans to extend similar targets to the private sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12336/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 986, 987, 988 and 989 together.
I thank the Deputy for his questions. Government remains committed to increasing the rate of employment of disabled people across the public service.
Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005 sets out obligations on public bodies to promote and support the employment of people with disabilities. These obligations previously set a minimum target that 3% of those employed at a given public sector organisation should be disabled people. The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Act 2022, commenced in April of 2023, committed to the doubling of that statutory target on a phased basis - going from 3% to 4.5% in 2024 and to 6% from January 2025 onwards. Part 5 of the Disability Act provides for individual Ministerial accountability for public bodies under their aegis regarding compliance with disability employment targets.
The National Disability Authority (NDA) a body under my aegis, prepares an annual report on compliance with Part 5 of the Disability Act each year with the 2025 report to be published in late 2026. Due to the timeline required to collect and process the necessary data the Authority reports annually on activity for the preceding year - i.e. it published its report on the 2024 figures in December 2025.
The most recent NDA Compliance Report covers the figures for 2024. The most common method of data collection reported by 163 public bodies (75.5%) in this period was conducting a staff census.
Overall, the proportion of employees declaring a disability in the public service in 2024 exceeded the minimum 4.5% target. The most recent report records that the percentage of employees reporting a disability in 2024 is 5.4% - this is the first time this percentage has exceeded 5%.
In 2024, 185 public bodies (85.6%) met the 4.5% target compared to 191 (91%) who met the 3% target in 2023. If considering the revised target of 4.5%, in 2024 185 public bodies (85.6%) met this target compared to only 160 (76.2%) in 2023.
In 2024, 134 public bodies (62.6%) met the minimum 6% target compared to 110 (52.4%) in 2023. Overall, the public sector exceeded the minimum statutory employment target for people with disabilities for the fourteenth successive year.
The full list of public bodies and all relevant information is publicly available and can be be found on the NDA’s website at: [NDA Annual Reports on Compliance with Part 5 of the Disability Act - National Disability Authority].
I firmly believe that Government must continue lead by example and all government departments and public bodies in Ireland have a clear duty and responsibility to comply with the 6% minimum statutory employment target for disabled people.
The National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, launched and published in September 2025, recognises the progressive impact of implementing this target by focusing on ways in which we can increase and expand opportunities for disabled people to work in the Irish civil service and public sector. This commitment fully aligns with several key commitments under a cornerstone pillar of the Strategy - the Employment Pillar - which, taken together, aim to decisively close the disability employment gap by advancing a wide range of actions that will provide the right supports at the right time for disabled people to access work or return to work.
In line with the overarching whole-of-government framework set out in the Strategy, my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection, is leading on several actions that will enhance the employment supports available to disabled people and increase rates of labour market activation. The development of effective employer outreach initiatives and measures aimed at supporting employers to hire and progress the careers of disabled people throughout the private sector is also a key commitment of the Strategy and my colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment is leading on the delivery of these initiatives.
I am confident that the ongoing work across Government will continue to support employment opportunities for disabled people across both the public and private sectors.
990. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the current status of Government proposals to introduce legislation banning conversion therapy; the scope of any proposed ban; the steps being taken to ensure the legislation is comprehensive and free from loopholes; the indicative timeline for publication and enactment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12424/26]
View answerThe 2025 Programme for Government, ‘Securing Ireland’s Future’, contains a commitment to advance legislation to ban conversion practices.
The proposed legislation to ban conversion practices raises both complex and sensitive policy and legal questions. The Department is carefully working through the key policy and legal principles that will underpin the legislation to ensure that individuals are protected from harmful conversion practices while the necessary and appropriate services for those with concerns in areas of sexual orientation and gender identity are not affected.
Officials continue to engage with the Office of the Attorney General on the matter.
