Written Answers Nos. 821-841
821. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to develop a national strategy for industrial hemp; whether he will support Irish farmers to diversify into hemp production for use in construction, textiles and other low carbon materials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14327/26]
View answerMy Department carried out a consultative process in 2021 to examine the commercial viability of growing hemp for fibre use only. The report on this consultation was published in December 2022.
As part of the consultation, stakeholders were invited to consider a number of questions including existing markets, the strengths and weaknesses of fibre crops and the scaleability of the Irish fibre crop/hemp industry, taking into account the market size and value, industry processing capacity and economic returns along the supply chain. Two submissions were received as part of that consultation.
The main finding of the report was that the growing of fibre crops such as hemp for the purposes of fibre production only is not currently viable in Ireland. However, hemp can be successfully grown in Ireland and offers opportunities for diversification and crop rotation while delivering environmental benefits. Potential markets also exist for hemp fibre with its use in the construction industry offering the most significant opportunity.
The scaling up of a crop fibre industry would be dependent on numerous factors including the development of stable markets, significant capital investment to increase processing capacity and collaboration with all stakeholders along the supply chain, all of which must be industry led. The report noted that while the outcome of the consultation did not support the viability of fibre crops such as hemp in Ireland, it is a matter for the industry to address and bring forward a proposal containing viable options for consideration. DAFM would welcome any such proposal.
Hemp is included as an eligible crop under the Basic Income Support for Sustainability Scheme. However, current legislation in Ireland does not allow for the growing of hemp unless a specific license has been granted by the Health Products Regulatory Authority which operates under the auspices of the Department of Health.
822. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide a list of all State agencies within his Department that allocate programme and project funding to section 39, section 56 and section 10 organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14383/26]
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.
823. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the State agencies within his Department that have made provision for the pension auto enrolment payment as part of their allocation to funded organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14401/26]
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.
824. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the ‘North Irish Sea Interim Razor Fishery Management Plan’ proposal, which was submitted by members of the fishing community in July 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14472/26]
View answerThe “North Irish Sea Interim Razor Fishery Management Plan” was submitted to my Department on 16 January 2026 by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), which provides the secretariat for the National Inshore Fisheries Forum (NIFF).
I am advised that the proposal was developed and brought forward last year by the North East Regional Inshore Fisheries Forum. It was reviewed by the NIFF and the other Regional Forums in the latter half of 2025. At their meeting on 11 December 2025, the NIFF members agreed to support the proposal and submit it to my Department.
My Department is currently considering the proposal, in consultation with BIM and the other marine agencies, and it will engage with the Inshore Fisheries Forums and other stakeholders on the matter thereafter.
825. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the plans his Department has to address the ongoing issue of urban horses and associated animal welfare and public safety concerns; whether a coordinated multi-agency approach involving local authorities, An Garda Síochána and relevant Departments is being progressed; and whether his Department intends to take the lead role in this work, or if responsibility will primarily rest with the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14572/26]
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. 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 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. Typically, support and arrangements for these projects are provided by the Local Authorities. The funding provided by my Department, is paid through Local Authorities to support these projects and my Department welcomes further submissions, through local authorities, for assistance in the context of the Urban Horse Projects scheme.
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 re-homing 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 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 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
826. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the quantity, in tonnes, of beef or beef products imported into the State in each of the past ten years, by country of origin, in tabular form. [14575/26]
View answerThe table below details the volume in tonnes of beef imports by origin in the ten years since 2016, as reported by Central Statistics Office (CSO) trade statistics.
|
- |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Origin |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
|
United Kingdom |
27,497 |
24,404 |
30,691 |
25,765 |
25,065 |
30,322 |
31,193 |
31,203 |
29,050 |
36,948 |
|
Spain |
16 |
313 |
493 |
1,117 |
1,649 |
1,584 |
1,414 |
1,527 |
1,372 |
871 |
|
Belgium |
65 |
93 |
38 |
174 |
360 |
298 |
318 |
519 |
477 |
598 |
|
Netherlands |
873 |
624 |
573 |
1,204 |
896 |
841 |
1,493 |
889 |
499 |
363 |
|
Poland |
484 |
620 |
1,311 |
1,023 |
886 |
351 |
716 |
448 |
560 |
290 |
|
Germany |
731 |
1,361 |
410 |
175 |
249 |
373 |
289 |
483 |
486 |
287 |
|
Lithuania |
202 |
254 |
277 |
287 |
315 |
282 |
256 |
243 |
228 |
232 |
|
France |
227 |
139 |
308 |
110 |
26 |
23 |
154 |
507 |
421 |
227 |
|
Brazil |
22 |
3 |
11 |
26 |
35 |
36 |
73 |
40 |
97 |
172 |
|
Sweden |
100 |
109 |
107 |
124 |
66 |
84 |
173 |
198 |
222 |
172 |
|
Other 11 - 68 |
622 |
261 |
220 |
206 |
375 |
876 |
489 |
639 |
839 |
818 |
|
Total |
30,841 |
28,180 |
34,437 |
30,213 |
29,921 |
35,071 |
36,568 |
36,696 |
34,252 |
40,977 |
It should be noted that 2025 figures are preliminary estimates which are subject to revision by the CSO.
For context, Ireland is estimated to have exported 458,996 tonnes of beef in 2025, valued at €3.6 billion. Further information on agri-food sector trade can be found in chapter six of the Annual Review and Outlook for Agriculture, Food and the Marine 2024-2025, my Department's annual economic publication: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/publications/annual-review-and-outlook-for-agriculture-food-and-the-marine-2024/
827. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine If he will address the serious animal welfare concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14641/26]
View answerAnimal welfare is a key priority for me as Minister and for the Government. My 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.
The Programme for Government 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 with reference to the practical lessons learned from operating the Act.
The welfare of equines is protected by legislation and there is a commitment in the Programme for Government to build on existing inspectorate supports across the country, ensuring a consistent approach to dealing with horse welfare. It must be emphasised that primary responsibility for the health and welfare of equines lies with the owner or keeper.
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.
The use of sulkies on public roads, 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 are a matter for my colleague 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.
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
828. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will engage with Coillte to ensure that its existing forest road network is used optimally by all forest owners, with a view to avoiding duplication, reducing resource wastage, and supporting best-practice forest management and timber mobilisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14814/26]
View answerCoillte was established as a commercial state company with private limited status under the Forestry Act, 1988, to become custodian and manager of the national forest estate. The company is currently managing 440,000 hectares of land (7% of the total area of the Republic of Ireland), and its day-to-day operations, such as the construction of forest roads for the mobilisation of timber in the Coillte forest estate, are entirely a matter for the company.
Coillte, as is the case with all private and public forest owners, is required to obtain a licence for the construction of a new forest road from my Department.
While my Department encourages cooperation between forest owners through the Forest Road Scheme, this is ultimately a matter for forest owners to decide on in respect of their individual forests.
829. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has undertaken efforts to measure the average percentage increase in the cost of fertiliser in each of the past ten years; and if he will provide this data to this Deputy, setting the base year of 2015 as the 100% figure [14901/26]
View answerThe Central Statistics office collate data in respect of fertiliser prices. The table below sets out the CSO Agricultural Input Price Index for the three principal types of fertilisers and covers the period 2015 to 2025. It should be noted that the table takes account of a rebasing of the index which took place in 2020, but all figures below are with reference to 2015.
|
|
Fertilisers (Overall) |
Straight fertilisers |
Compound fertilisers |
|
2015 |
100 |
100 |
100 |
|
2016 |
86.19 |
82.26 |
87.62 |
|
2017 |
81.47 |
77.93 |
82.21 |
|
2018 |
86.36 |
84.09 |
86.66 |
|
2019 |
90.85 |
88.63 |
91.24 |
|
2020 |
82.03 |
77.55 |
82.29 |
|
2021 |
101.76 |
102.07 |
101.14 |
|
2022 |
219.52 |
252.09 |
212.25 |
|
2023 |
153.63 |
157.99 |
152.03 |
|
2024 |
116.38 |
114.14 |
115.22 |
|
2025 |
126.41 |
128.21 |
124.23 |
In general, fertiliser prices in 2025 were c. 25% higher than in 2015 but prices experienced significant volatility during that period.
My Department has no function in terms of fertiliser prices beyond the regulatory function of ensuring products placed on the market are in keeping with the fertiliser regulatory framework and that standards such as nutrient content etc. are as described.
830. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers leaving the sector on an annual basis over the past ten years [14902/26]
View answerThe results of the Central Statistics Office's 2023 Farm Structure Survey were published in December 2024. These results show that since the Farm Structure Survey in 2013, the total number of farm holdings decreased by 6,421 (-5%), from 139,595 in 2013 to 133,174 in 2023.
As detailed in the table below, the Farm Structure Survey provides data on the number of family farm holders who regard farming as their 'sole', 'major' or 'subsidiary' occupation. Compared to the 2013 Farm Structure Survey, the 2023 release shows that the number of family farm holders who indicate that farming is their sole or major occupation has declined from 105,500 to 96,300, a decrease of 9,200 (-8.7%). Among farm holders who indicate that farm work is their subsidiary occupation, a decrease of 1,800 (-5.4%) was recorded , from 33,500 to 31,700.
Table 1 - CSO Farm Structure Survey - Significance of Farm Work on Family Farms 2013 and 2023
|
|
2013 |
|
2023 |
|
|
Significance of Farm Work on Family Farms |
Number |
% |
Number |
% |
|
Sole Occupation |
70,300 |
50% |
67,400 |
50% |
|
Major Occupation |
35,200 |
25% |
28,900 |
22% |
|
Total Sole or Major Occupation |
105,500 |
75% |
96,300 |
72% |
|
Subsidiary Occupation |
33,500 |
24% |
31,700 |
24% |
|
Total Family Farms |
139,000 |
99.6% |
128,000 |
96% |
|
Non-Family Farms |
595 |
0.4% |
5,174 |
4% |
|
Total Farms |
139,595 |
100% |
133,174 |
100% |
The Farm Structure Survey also provides information on the Agriculture Labour Force, defined as all those who worked on farms in Ireland in a given year. The survey reports that 299,725 people worked on farms in Ireland in 2023, including farm holders, family workers and regular non-family workers. This represents an increase of approximately 30,000 workers (+11.2%) in the 10-year period since 2013, when it was 269,500 people.
831. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the level of monitoring and inspections that has taken place of the large EU and UK registered pelagic freezer trawlers operating off the Irish coast during January and early February of 2026 targeting horse mackerel and other species; and the landings made by these vessels including bycatches of boarfish [14841/26]
View answerThe monitoring and control of fishing vessels within Ireland’s Exclusive Fisheries Zone are law enforcement matters for the Irish control authorities. Under the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006, all operational matters are exclusively the responsibility of the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) and the Naval Service. Under the Act, I am expressly precluded from getting involved in operational matters in relation to sea fisheries control.
Furthermore, the SFPA is the single legal competent authority responsible for the collection and reporting of fish landings into Ireland.
Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's requests to the SFPA for attention and direct reply.
832. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when Möscha swivel spout, an improved alternative to traditional splash plates as it has lower emissions, will be approved in terms of TAMS grants, as currently, small or medium-sized farmers cannot afford to buy large tankers which necessitate large tractors, which are unsuitable for hilly or wet ground; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14911/26]
View answerThe Moscha system is not an accepted form of Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS). It therefore does not qualify for grant aid under the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3).
To date, no data has been made available by the supplier of the equipment that would make it possible to determine how much the system reduces the level of emissions during spreading compared to the traditional splash plate.
The accepted forms of LESS under the Nitrates Regulations are the dribble bar/trailing hose, trailing shoe and injection systems, of which only the trailing shoe and injection systems are eligible for grant aid, at a rate of 60%, under TAMS 3.
As regards hilly ground, I wish to advise that, under SI No. 588 of 2025, on health and safety grounds, an exemption from the requirement to use Low Emission Slurry Spreading equipment has been introduced for the application of cattle slurry to steeply sloping grassland. Under those Regulations, steeply sloping grassland is defined as grassland with an average incline of at least 20%.
833. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he intends to progress the Protection of the Native Irish Honey Bee Bill 2021 to the next legislative stage; if he will confirm whether his Department has concluded its internal review of the independent scientific assessment commissioned in 2023 and delivered to his Department in December 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15044/26]
View answer834. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the independent scientific assessment on hybridisation and biosecurity threats to the native Irish honey bee, completed by a team of international experts and delivered to the Department in December 2024, has not yet been published; when this essential report will be released to the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15045/26]
View answer835. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he accepts the scientific evidence showing that hybridisation in Irish honey bee populations has increased at an alarming rate, including a 300% rise in introgression over a six year period; the immediate actions his Department is taking to protect the genetic integrity of the native Apis mellifera mellifera ecotype; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15046/26]
View answer837. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports his Department currently provides to Irish beekeeping organisations, namely NIHBS, FIBKA, IBA, UBKA, INIB, and the Irish Bee Foundation; whether his Department intends to strengthen these supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15048/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 833, 834, 835 and 837 together.
The Protection of the Native Irish Honey Bee Bill 2021 which is a Private Members Bill is currently before Dáil Éireann, Second Stage. Progression of the Bill through Dáil Éireann is subject to the procedures of the Oireachtas.
Following advice from the Office of the Attorney General, my Department procured independent scientific evidence and in October 2023, a 12 month contract was signed with the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG) for the provision of research services on the native Irish honey bee (Apis mellifera mellifera).
The research work concluded in December 2024, and the research report was subsequently evaluated by an external expert. The research service provider (NUIG) was afforded the opportunity to respond to the evaluator’s comments. This process has concluded and publication will be considered once the bill progresses in line with the procedures of the Oireachtas.
I note the statement by the Native Irish Honey Bee Society (NIHBS) at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food (February 18th 2026) ‘that hybridisation in Irish honey bee populations has increased at an alarming rate, including a 300% rise in introgression over a six year period’. This was not brought to my Department previously and I would welcome the submission of the scientific evidence in relation to same to my Department for review.
My Department pays an annual grant to the NIHBS, Federation of Irish Beekeepers’ Associations (FIBKA), Irish Beekeepers’ Association (IBA) and Irish Bee Foundation (IBF). In 2025, the four national beekeeping federations received a total of €25,500 through this grant.
My Department also supports Irish beekeeping through the provision of grant aid for capital investments by individual beekeepers in specialised beekeeping related equipment and structures.
In addition, €121,000 was paid out under the National Apiculture Programme (NAP) in 2025 to support beekeeping through an approved applied research project.
The NIHBS also received funding in 2021 and 2024 under my Department's Conservation of Plant and Animal Genetic Resources Scheme for projects related to the conservation of the native Irish honey bee.
836. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures being taken to prevent the importation of pests such as the Tropilaelaps mite (described by experts as potentially more destructive than Varroa) and other invasive species including the Small Hive Beetle and the Asian Hornet; if his Department will commit to mandatory physical inspection of all honey bee consignments entering the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15047/26]
View answerThe movement of bees within the European Union is governed by Regulation (EU) 2016/429 (the Animal Health Law) which is supplemented by Commission Implementing and Delegated Regulations (Regulation (EU) 2020/688 and 2021/403). These EU regulations contain specific provisions to safeguard the health of bees located in the territory of the Union including safeguarding against tropilaelaps mites and the Small Hive Beetle.
To date, Small Hive beetle and Tropilaelaps spp have not been reported in Ireland. Nevertheless, my Department is aware of the threat posed to the beekeeping sector by these pests. In light of this, my Department is assessing the additional risks posed to bees from these pests.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage leads on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species such as the Asian Hornet.
838. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the Fund for Students with Disabilities will be expanded to include students who attend agricultural colleges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15073/26]
View answerThe Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) aims to ensure that students with disabilities have access to the necessary assistance and equipment to complete their chosen studies. Funding is allocated to the college, not the student. The FSD currently applies to Colleges that fall under the remit of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS).
Teagasc provide education services to the agricultural sector and rural communities under the remit of my Department. Any expansion of the FSD to the agricultural colleges in the Teagasc network is a matter for DFHERIS in the first instance.
Teagasc is fully committed to assisting its students with learner needs across the agricultural college network. Services provided include assistive technology equipment and software, non-medical helpers (readers and scribes) and academic or learning support. Additionally, each College has an Access Officer who can assess the learning support requirements of learners.
839. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on implementation of the recommendations of the Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming. [15127/26]
View answerThe Programme for Government prioritises supporting inter-generational farm succession. Food Vision 2030, our shared strategy for the agrifood sector, states that generational renewal in farming is critically important to ensure the future viability and social sustainability of the Irish agrifood sector and of rural Ireland.
There are a number of supports for generational renewal currently available to farmers under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027. These supports are complemented by a suite of strong national taxation measures, access to finance supports, as well as advisory and education & training support. Despite these significant supports the average age of farmers continues to rise.
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. The Commission 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.
I was pleased to launch their report last September. As noted by the Commission, this is an issue for all of the agrifood stakeholders to address; to support the environmental, social and economic sustainability of farming, and to enhance its image as a career.
An implementation group in my Department is currently considering the recommendations and will monitor implementation on an ongoing basis. The current CSP is fully programmed, and the budget has been committed. Therefore, recommendations in the report around CAP supports will need to be considered in the context of the new round post 2027, including the new CAP regulation and a new budget.
While some recommendations can only be progressed in the context of the next CAP, others can and will be implemented in a shorter time frame. I am pleased that some of the taxation recommendations have already been progressed in Budget 2026 and that work is ongoing in relation many of the other recommendations.
The work of the Commission ensures we have a comprehensive, well-considered foundation for our ongoing work in supporting generational renewal.
840. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for a breakdown of the number of farmers currently over the age of 64 and over the age of 66 in receipt of a BISS payment in 2025. [15184/26]
View answerIn 2025 my Department has received 124,238 applications for Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) and other area based schemes. 119,080 of these applicants currently hold BISS payment entitlements.
Applications for BISS and other area based schemes can be made by individuals, joint ventures (e.g. partnerships) or companies.
In 2025, 104,423 applications were received from individuals of which 40,972 were from individuals greater than 64 years of age and 35,782 were from individuals greater than 66 years of age.
841. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the Government’s position in relation to national and regional partnership plans for delivering the next CAP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15185/26]
View answerSince the publication of the European Commission’s proposals, Ireland has been actively engaged in negotiations on the proposed National and Regional Partnership Plan (NRPP) framework, through which the next CAP is proposed to be delivered.
My consistent position has been that the CAP must remain clearly identifiable as a genuinely common EU policy, with governance, accountability and delivery arrangements that are workable in practice for farmers and administrations.
I have highlighted concerns that embedding the CAP within the broader NRPP framework could increase complexity in areas such as governance, audit and reporting, and risk diluting the CAP’s distinct character. It is essential that any new framework provides clarity and certainty for farmers, paying agencies and institutions.
Ireland supports an approach that preserves the full CAP toolbox and provides sufficient flexibility for Member States to tailor interventions to national circumstances, while maintaining a strong common framework at EU level.
