Written Answers Nos. 892-909
892. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of targeted agriculture modernisation scheme applications that have been granted/refused in County Kerry, in each of the years 2022 to 2025, and to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30293/26]
View answerThe Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) provides grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings. All investments must be linked to Climate, Environment or Animal Welfare.
TAMS 3 has proved to be extremely attractive, with payments of over €152 million issued to farmers since payments commenced in June 2024.
All eligible applications submitted in the first eight tranches of TAMS 3 have received 100% approval, allowing them to proceed with their investments. This is approximately three times the average number of applications received in the same period under TAMS 2.
Due to the unprecedented success of each of the individual schemes within TAMS 3, and in order to manage the defined budget, it was necessary to apply ranking and selection to tranches 9 and 10 in order ensure adequate funding for the scheme over the remainder of the CAP Strategic Plan.
The table below sets out the number of applications received, the number still being assessed (in progress) the number that were not selected following ranking and selection (refused) and the number of approvals issued (granted) in County Kerry.
Please note that TAMS 3 commenced in 2023, so there is no data in respect of 2022. It should also be noted that applications submitted in a particular year may be approved in the following calendar year.
|
TAMS 3 - Kerry |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
Received |
In Progress |
RASS Not Selected/Refused |
Approved |
|
2023 |
680 |
|
|
29 |
|
2024 |
1017 |
|
|
1063 |
|
2025 |
1463 |
|
|
1080 |
|
2026 |
254 |
214 |
87 |
377 |
|
Total |
3414 |
214 |
87 |
2549 |
893. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 2217, 2192 and 2218 of 14 April 2026, the percentage of beef imported from UK/GB in 2025 and 2026 which was born, reared and slaughtered in UK/GB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30338/26]
View answerImports from GB typically account for almost half (48%) of the total volume of raw beef imported annually into the country.
The Central Statistics Office is responsible for the compilation of official trade statistics in accordance with harmonised EU standards developed by Eurostat. These official trade statistics are based on Revenue data and do not capture the provenance of imports.
However, information on the provenance and processing of beef is subject to EU food labelling rules. The overarching legislative framework is contained in Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers. Under this regulation, the general rule is that an 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 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 must also be given. This article prohibits misleading food information which implies a certain origin of a food, when in fact its true origin is different. The rules on 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.
894. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total Department funding paid between 2020 and 2025 to organisations (details supplied); and for a further breakdown on the origin of these funding streams such as CAP and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30339/26]
View answerThe exchequer funding, provided to ICBF by my Department from 2020 to 2024 inclusive, is available in the ICBF annual reports: www.icbf.com/annual-reports/.
The report for 2025 will be published shortly.
Bord Bia and Teagasc are non-commercial state agencies, and the funding provided to these agencies is available in their annual audited published accounts.
Bord Bia’s Annual Report and Accounts are available at: www.bordbia.ie/about/governance/annual-reports/.
Teagasc Annual Report and Accounts are available at: teagasc.ie/publications/.
895. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has engaged with the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment in respect of unmet demand to roll out solar technologies that are not being met by funding restrictions to the TAMs scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30370/26]
View answerThe Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) 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 (SCIS) is one of eleven schemes within TAMS 3.
The Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) is a demand-led scheme with a defined budgetary allocation. Due to the unprecedented success of each of the individual schemes within TAMS 3 and in order to manage the defined budget, it was necessary to apply Ranking and Selection (RASS) to tranches nine and ten to ensure adequate funding for the remainder of the CAP Strategic Plan.
The number of applications and the level of funding provided to date under certain schemes, such as the Solar Capital Investment Scheme (SCIS) have exceeded expectations, to the extent that more than 20% of the TAMS budget is being spent on SCIS. 3,390 approvals have issued to farmers under SCIS allowing them to proceed with their investments with payments in excess of €30m to date. My Department is focused on maximising the number of applications that may be approved under this scheme while maintaining support for other areas that need investment.
Overall national energy policy is developed by the Department of the Climate, Energy and the Environment. My Department will continue to work closely with that Department to ensure that our agricultural sector continues increasing the sector’s capacity for producing indigenous energy on farms, diversifying income streams and in contributing to meeting Ireland’s national climate and energy targets.
The Department of the Climate, Energy and the Environment announced that the Domestic Solar PV Grant Scheme will remain at the 2025 level of €1,800. This scheme has been available to individuals since its launch in 2022. The scheme includes a 0% VAT rate for the supply and installation of solar panels on domestic premises.
896. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the grant supports in place for farmers or agricultural contractors who want to purchase zero-emission farm vehicles; if there are supports available under the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30380/26]
View answerThe Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) provides grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings. All investments must be linked to Climate, Environment or Animal Welfare.
Farm vehicles are not eligible for grant aid under the TAMS grant aid scheme regardless of the manner in which they are powered. The focus is on grant aiding farm equipment that typically attach to these vehicles rather than the vehicles themselves. This equipment employs the latest technology allowing farmers to operate their farm enterprise efficiently, economically and sustainably.
I believe that the suite of 11 TAMS schemes, including over 400 investment items, is the best mechanism for ensuring that allocated funding is targeted appropriately to deliver improved sustainability in the farming sector. I will also ensure that investment items continue to be reviewed on a regular basis.
897. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on measures to protect the welfare of urban horses, in particular in relation to the welfare of horses used in sulky racing; the engagement his Department has had with the Department of Transport in relation to recent events (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30396/26]
View answerI am aware of the report to which the Deputy refers.
Animal welfare is a key priority for me as Minister and for the Government. 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. It must be emphasised that primary responsibility for the health and welfare of equines lies with the owner or keeper.
In line with the Programme for Government and our current Animal Welfare Strategy, which is in the process of being renewed, I also support sustainable initiatives which includes nationwide urban horse projects. Working with local authorities, charities and community stakeholders, these projects have proven very successful, aimed at equine welfare and marginalised communities, fostering community leadership and education in responsible horse ownership for young people.
My Department has spent over €2.1 million from 2015 to date, on urban horse projects, with €170,000 allocated for 2026. There are currently seven live projects, and I would welcome new submissions from local authorities to develop urban horse projects in their respective areas.
It is important to note that 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 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.
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.
898. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the main policy achievements of his Department since 22 January 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30470/26]
View answerThe new Programme for Government, “Securing Ireland's Future”, was published in January 2025. Of the 122 actions in the Agriculture and Food, and the Fisheries and Marine sections, my Department was identified as the lead organisation for 105 of these. 32% of the actions are either ‘Target achieved’ or ‘Substantial action undertaken & ongoing’, with another 61% reported as ‘Action commenced & progressing’.
The table below provides a status overview of these actions.
|
Action Status |
Number of Actions |
|
Total actions where DAFM is the lead Department |
105 |
|
Target achieved |
5 |
|
Substantial action undertaken and ongoing |
28 |
|
Action commenced and progressing |
64 |
|
Action not yet commenced |
8 |
Some of the main achievements since January 2025 include:
• Continued Government support for farmers under the €9.8 billion CAP Strategic Plan and via specific sectoral supports.
• Preparations for a new round of CAP post-2027 have commenced.
• Ireland has secured the continued availability of the Nitrates Derogation for a further three years.
• Ongoing implementation of Food Vision 2030, our shared stakeholder-led strategy for the continuing development of the agri-food sector, including progress across the dairy, beef & sheepmeat, tillage, horticulture, organics, forestry and fishery sectors. A new dashboard to track economic, environmental and social progress has been launched. A 'Food Vision Seafood Sector Group' was established. A mid-term review of Food Vision has commenced.
• My Department issued more than €2.18 billion in payments to farmers and fishers over the course of 2025.
• The launch of the Bovine TB Action Plan.
• The launch of the second National Farmed Animal Biosecurity Strategy(2025-2030).
• Ongoing market access work, including the opening of the Thai and Vietnamese markets for Irish beef exports, priority export markets for the beef sector.
• The announcement of a new €30 million National Tillage Sustainability Support Scheme.
• The publication of the Report of the Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming.
• The re-establishment of a dedicated Minister of State for Fisheries and Marine issues.
• The allocation of €27.75 million for capital projects in Ireland’s publicly owned harbours through the 2025 Fishery Harbour Centre and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme.
• The signing of a €105 million Partnership Agreement with the World Food Programme, the world’s largest humanitarian organisation, over the period 2025 to 2027.
• The launch of Phase 2 of the €26.2 million Vista Milk Research Ireland Centre and the launch of DAFM’s €30 million Thematic Research Call 2025.
• The opening of the National Centre for Brewing and Distilling in Oakpark, Teagasc, which has been allocated funding of €2.3 million by DAFM since 2020.
• The establishment of the One Health Oversight Committee.
I will continue to lead the development of the agri-food and fisheries sector in collaboration with stakeholders and to deliver on our Programme for Government commitments.
899. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it is the current policy of his private office/Department to formally invite or notify all local Oireachtas members of constituency events at which Ministers are in attendance in the course of performing their ministerial duties and functions; if he will provide the Department's current policy or protocol on this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30590/26]
View answerMy Department office liaises with event organisers in advance of my attendance at official events. For the purpose of preparing material for the event, my Department utilises a standardised checklist which is circulated to organisers ahead of such events. This includes a section to provide the names of other invited guests at the event including public representatives.
This checklist, including a section on the names of invited public representatives, is used ahead of all official events which I attend. My private office does not issue invitations to others to attend events which I am attending,that is a matter for the event organisers.
900. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide a list of all events across every constituency attended by the Minister in the course of his ministerial duties since 1 January 2026, where formal invitations/notifications to attend were not issued by his office to all local Oireachtas members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30608/26]
View answerMy Department office liaises with event organisers in advance of my attendance at official events. For the purpose of preparing material for the event, my Department utilises a standardised checklist which is circulated to organisers ahead of such events. This includes a section to provide the names of other invited guests at the event including public representatives.
This checklist, including a section on the names of invited public representatives, is used ahead of all official events which I attend. My private office does not issue invitations to others to attend events which I am attending,that is a matter for the event organisers.
901. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are solar panels in place on the rooftop or within the grounds of his Department building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30689/26]
View answer902. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has a solar panel policy in place in relation to the installation of solar panels on all buildings operated and owned by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30707/26]
View answer903. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has a solar panel policy in place in relation to the installation of solar panels on all buildings operated and owned by agencies under the control of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30727/26]
View answer904. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the merits of installing solar panels on all buildings operated and owned by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30744/26]
View answer905. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the merits of installing solar panels on all buildings operated and owned by agencies under the control of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30765/26]
View answer908. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding any buildings operated and owned by his Department that have solar panels in place to support the energy demands of the building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30835/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 901, 902, 903, 904, 905 and 908 together.
My Department recognises the merits of installing solar panels and other climate actions.
The Navan Regional Veterinary Office (RVO) has solar panels. The OPW carried out a fabric upgrade/deep retrofit which was funded by the OPW and the SEAI.
OPW manages the Civil Service Property Portfolio on behalf of all Government Departments, and all maintenance and upgrade works on our buildings are carried out by the OPW. The OPW has advised that Solar PV works are considered during feasibility studies when roof works/replacements are being carried for efficiency of resources.
My Department works closely with the OPW on an ongoing basis, to reduce energy usage in all Department locations including the installation of solar panels. The Department continues to encourage OPW to carry out energy saving and “green” projects across our property portfolio including the possibility of rolling out Solar PV Panels where technically feasible.
906. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total allocation of funding to each State agency under his Department’s remit, broken down by the allocation to each agency, for each of the past 15 years, in tabular form. [30788/26]
View answerThe following table sets out the total allocation of funding to each State agency under my Department's remit from 2012 - 2026. It should be noted that there are a number of other agencies that also fall under my Department's remit but do not receive Exchequer funding.
Figures are in millions and have been rounded to the nearest decimal place.
907. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total spend on consultancy firms by each State agency under his Department's remit, broken down by the allocation to each named consultancy firm, for each of the past 15 years, in tabular form. [30805/26]
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.
909. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to urgently examine issues pertaining to TAMS (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30881/26]
View answerThe Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) is a demand-led scheme with a defined budgetary allocation. Due to the unprecedented success of each of the individual schemes within TAMS 3 over the first eight application periods, or tranches, it was necessary to apply ranking and selection to tranches nine and ten to ensure adequate funding for the remainder of the CAP Strategic Plan.
The number of applications and the level of funding provided to date under certain schemes, such as the Solar Capital Investment Scheme (SCIS), have exceeded expectations, to the extent that more than 20% of the TAMS budget is being spent on SCIS. A total of 3,390 approvals have issued to farmers under SCIS, allowing them to proceed with their investments, with payments in excess of €30 million being paid to farmers.
My Department is focused on maximising the number of applications that may be approved under this scheme while maintaining support for other areas that require investment. On that basis, I took the decision to focus on approvals for core on-farm investments such as farm safety and nutrient storage, which now attracts a 60% grant aid support.
It was also necessary to concentrate the funding under SCIS to on-farm consumption only. However, farmers can seek support through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for the installation of solar systems on their holding. The SEAI business grant is available to the agricultural sector, including farmers, which is a further option for those keen to explore renewable energy generation.
