Written Answers Nos. 121-140
121. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position of the Government in relation to proposals emerging at EU level for the next CAP post 2027, particularly concerns regarding a reduction or restructuring of direct farm payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35069/26]
View answer127. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on progress on CAP negotiations in light of expected tightening of the EU Budget after 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35734/26]
View answer142. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on their engagements regarding CAP post-2027. [35757/26]
View answer148. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date at EU Council discussions in relation to the need to ensure that adequate funding is provided for CAP in the next Multiannual Financial Framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35740/26]
View answer150. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the progress of CAP negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35479/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 121, 127, 142, 148 and 150 together.
In July 2025, the European Commission published its legislative proposals for the post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) as a chapter of the proposed National and Regional Partnership Plan (NRPP) framework.
Negotiations on the CAP Regulation are ongoing at EU level through Council Working Parties, the Special Committee on Agriculture and the Agriculture and Fisheries Council. Initial discussions under the Danish Presidency focused on the technical examination of the Commission’s proposals and identifying key issues arising across the framework. Under the Cyprus Presidency, work has progressed to the circulation and discussion of compromise texts across the CAP Regulation. Ireland has engaged actively throughout these negotiations and is now preparing for its role as honest broker during our Presidency in the second half of 2026.
Progress has also been made on the transfer of CAP-specific provisions from the proposed NRPP Regulation into the CAP Regulation. In particular, agreement was reached to un-bracket key definitions, including the definition of a farmer, allowing these provisions to be discussed fully within the CAP framework. Discussions are continuing on whether further CAP-specific articles should be transferred in order to strengthen the coherence and operability of the future CAP framework.
Ireland has consistently highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong and adequately funded CAP that continues to support viable farm incomes, food production and rural communities across the European Union. While the overall EU budget and funding allocations are ultimately matters for the wider MFF negotiations at European Council level, Ireland continues to advocate strongly in Council discussions for a sufficiently funded CAP, and for the CAP to remain clearly identifiable within the future EU funding architecture.
Ireland is also carefully examining the Commission’s proposals relating to the future structure of direct payments and income supports, including proposals on degressivity and capping. Ireland recognises the importance of ensuring fairness and balanced distribution of supports across the Union. However, it is important that any future model remains workable in practice and does not disproportionately impact productive farms or undermine food production capacity and farm viability.
Ireland will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in July 2026, and will work closely with Member States and the European institutions to build on the progress achieved to date and advance negotiations across the remaining parts of the CAP legislative framework.
122. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason there are only 33 officers authorised to investigate animal cruelty in Cork. [35673/26]
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 this matter most seriously. I am committed to the policy that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner and remain 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.
All reports of alleged animal cruelty or neglect received by my Department are investigated. 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 areas of animal welfare, the law and having regard to the practical lessons learnt from operating the Act.
Since the introduction of the Act, approximately 1,000 staff within my Department have been designated as authorised officers, under the Act. A large number of these authorised officers are based in my Department’s network of Regional Veterinary Offices throughout the country, including Cork, providing nationwide coverage. Their responsibilities include carrying out welfare inspections in every county and providing advice and support to the keepers of animals, however primary responsibility for protecting the welfare of animals rests with the owner or keeper.
A feature of the enforcement of the Act is my Department can work alongside An Garda Síochána and the Local Authority on certain enforcement matters, resulting in a very effective and efficient use of resources.
Under the Animal Welfare Grants programme, in December 2025, my Department provided funding of almost €6.5 million to 94 animal welfare charities throughout the country. Of that figure, just over €783,250 was awarded to charities involved in animal welfare in Cork.
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. All reports received generate case reports which are referred for investigation by authorised officers and appropriate action is taken, which could include, up to, prosecution. 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.
123. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has the required resources in place in Mayo to process and approve TAMS 3 applications in a timely manner; to provide an explanation as to the reason delays in approvals are being experienced by many Mayo farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35783/26]
View answerTAMS 3 has proved to be extremely popular, with in excess of 63,700 applications submitted across the first eleven tranches of the scheme compared to 20,805 applications received over the same number of tranches in the 2014-2022 TAMS 2 scheme.
Despite the huge increase in applications, my Department has issued almost 47,000 approvals, allowing farmers to proceed with their investments. Payments of over €158 million have issued to TAMS 3 participants, and are continuing at a rate of up to €2 million per week.
A total of 3,678 applications have been received from County Mayo with 2,662 approvals issued to farmers allowing them to proceed with their investments. Approvals are continuing to issue on a daily basis, once checks have been completed to confirm the eligibility of the application.
The average processing time for the vast majority of TAMS 3 applications is in line with the agreed targets as set out in the Farmers' Charter. Approvals are issued within 3 months of ranking and selection of files under each tranche, and no longer than 6 months following the closure of a tranche.
Payment claims are approved within 2 months following the receipt of the claim for payment (including valid supporting documents) and the completion of investments in accordance with specifications. Payments are issued to 100% of cleared cases within 3 weeks of approval for payment, when it has been determined that the work has been completed in accordance with the terms and conditions of the scheme.
My Department will continue to process applications and payment claims in a timely manner to allow farmers sufficient time to plan and proceed with their proposed on-farm investments.
124. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications received for the fuel income support scheme to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35739/26]
View answerThe Fuel Income Support Scheme opened for applications last Wednesday May 6th and remains open until 27th May 2026. More than 1,270 applications were submitted to the Fuel Income Support Scheme in its first two days.
I introduced a scheme after engagement with the farm representative bodies that is straightforward, targeted and capable of getting money to farmers and farm contractors very quickly. The need for payments to start as soon as possible has been emphasised and we are enabling this and will continue to assist both farmers and farm contractors with their applications.
My Department engaged with representative bodies in terms of scheme design and operation on an ongoing basis. A meeting was held on the morning of the scheme opening with stakeholders to demonstrate the application system. My Department will continue to assist both farmers and contractors with their applications.
The scheme will, for the first time, provide a direct support to farm contractors, recognising the vital work they play in our farming systems.
The application form has been designed to minimise the administrative burden and the number of applications to date indicates how straightforward the application process is for both farmers and contractors.
128. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the length of time applicants will have to wait for payment from the fuel support scheme once they have submitted a valid application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35478/26]
View answerThe Fuel Income Support Scheme opened for applications last Wednesday May 6th and remains open until 27th May 2026. More than 1,270 applications were submitted to the Fuel Income Support Scheme in its first two days.
I introduced a scheme after engagement with the farm representative bodies that is straightforward, targeted and capable of getting money to farmers and farm contractors very quickly. The need for payments to start as soon as possible has been emphasised and we are enabling this and will continue to assist both farmers and farm contractors with their applications.
My Department engaged with representative bodies in terms of scheme design and operation on an ongoing basis. A meeting was held on the morning of the scheme opening with stakeholders to demonstrate the application system. My Department will continue to assist both farmers and contractors with their applications.
The scheme will, for the first time, provide a direct support to farm contractors, recognising the vital work they play in our farming systems.
The application form has been designed to minimise the administrative burden and the number of applications to date indicates how straightforward the application process is for both farmers and contractors.
Payments under the scheme are planned to commence in June.
129. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of animal welfare prosecutions taken by his Department in the past four years; the nature of each prosecution per category including fines and imprisonment and so on; whether he is satisfied that penalties under current legislation provide a sufficient deterrent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34335/26]
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 this matter most seriously. I am committed to the policy that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner and remain 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. My Department keeps the Act under review in light of key developments in the areas of animal welfare, the law and having regard to the practical lessons learnt from operating the Act.
All reports of alleged animal cruelty or neglect received by my Department are investigated. My Department and authorised officers appointed under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, undertake appropriate enforcement action, where breaches or shortcomings are identified.
Since the introduction of the Act, approximately 1,000 staff within my Department have been designated as authorised officers, under the Act. A large number of these authorised officers are based in my Department’s network of Regional Veterinary Offices throughout the country, providing nationwide coverage. Their responsibilities include carrying out welfare inspections in every county and providing advice and support to the keepers of animals, however primary responsibility for protecting the welfare of animals rests with the owner or keeper.
A feature of the enforcement of the Act is my Department can work alongside An Garda Síochána and the Local Authority on certain enforcement matters, resulting in a very effective and efficient use of resources.
My Department does not have any statistical information in relation to prosecutions taken by An Garda Síochána and/or the local authorities.
My Department is responsible for all policy and legislation in relation to the Control of Horses Act 1996, however operation and enforcement 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 and the seizure of horses in contravention of the Act. 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 Act is currently under review within my Department.
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. All reports received generate case reports which are referred for investigation by authorised officers and appropriate action is taken, which could include, up to, prosecution. 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.
The information requested by the Deputy, in relation to prosecutions, is available below.
2025 – 25 Cases
|
Offence Type |
Penalties Imposed |
|
Section 11 |
Ban |
|
Section 12 |
Cost |
|
Section 13 |
Fine |
|
Section 14 |
Suspended Sentence |
|
Section 19 |
Prison Sentence |
|
Section 24 |
|
|
Section 36 |
|
|
Section 42 |
|
|
Section 46 |
|
|
Section 49 |
|
2024 – 40 Cases
|
Offence Type |
Penalties Imposed |
|
Section 11 |
Ban |
|
Section 12 |
Cost |
|
Section 13 |
Fine |
|
Section 16 |
Suspended Sentence |
|
Section 19 |
Prison Sentence |
|
Section 24 |
|
|
Section 36 |
|
|
Section 42 |
|
|
Section 46 |
|
2023 – 29 Cases
|
Offence Type |
Penalties Imposed |
|
Section 11 |
Ban |
|
Section 12 |
Cost |
|
Section 13 |
Fine |
|
Section 16 |
Suspended Sentence |
|
Section 36 |
Prison Sentence |
|
Section 42 |
|
|
Section 46 |
|
|
Section 52 |
|
2022 – 22 Cases
|
Offence Type |
Penalties Imposed |
|
Section 11 |
Ban |
|
Section 12 |
Cost |
|
Section 13 |
Fine |
|
Section 16 |
Suspended Sentence |
|
Section 36 |
|
130. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether the fuel funding package is oversubscribed and if subsequent applicants will get a smaller amount; and if he will ensure all applicants will get the full amount to which they are entitled. [35798/26]
View answerPayment under the Fuel Income Support Scheme is not determined on a first-come, first-served basis. It is standard in Department schemes to have provision for a linear adjustment in payment rates in the event of oversubscription to respect the overall budget ceiling. In this case, the total payment each applicant will receive will be calculated once all claims have been submitted. However, it is anticipated that approximately 20 cents per litre will be the basis of the payment.
The exact rate paid to successful applicants will be based on total valid applications, subject to a maximum payment. The maximum payment is not yet determined but will be dependent on overall application levels and cannot exceed state aid limits.
131. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline his priorities as chair of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council during Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35480/26]
View answerAs chair of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council during Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the EU, I will work with other Member States and the EU institutions to support farming and fishing families, protect their incomes, strengthen their competitiveness, and sustain rural and coastal communities.
This will be reflected in our priorities and policy programme, and at Council, my key priorities will be to progress the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post 2027, and to successfully conclude the annual Fishing Opportunity negotiations.
Our Presidency will also progress the implementation of the Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food, with a particular focus on generational renewal, sustainable livestock, the bioeconomy, animal welfare, and making EU rules simpler and more workable for farmers.
The Vision is a good step in emphasising that the agri-food sector is essential to wider EU themes of security, competitiveness and innovation. It highlights that farming and food systems are key to Europe’s future, and that strong, sustainable, and competitive agricultural and fisheries sectors are essential for the Union to meet its wider ambitions. Our Presidency will build on that.
132. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the current status of non-coursing greyhounds whose year of birth was 2022 and that were being tracked on Rásaíocht Con Éireann's traceability system, giving a detailed breakdown into active, inactive and exported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35486/26]
View answer133. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the current status of non-coursing greyhounds whose year of birth was 2021 and that were being tracked on Rásaíocht Con Éireann's traceability system, giving a detailed breakdown into active, inactive and exported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35485/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 133 together.
Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958, chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
A strong commitment to improved animal welfare in the greyhound racing sector is set out in the Programme for Government, which requires Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) to continue to provide financial support for the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust (IRGT) and to contribute to rehoming greyhounds.
My Department requires that at least 10% of the Horse and Greyhound Fund annual allocation be used to support welfare and integrity. In 2024, RCÉ informed my Department that it allocated 20% of its funding to Traceability, Care, and Welfare matters. This expenditure increased to 21.19% for 2025.
The update on the current status of non-coursing greyhounds who were being tracked on Rásaíocht Con Éireann's Traceability System for the years 2021 to 2024 is as follows:
2021 - RCÉ has informed my Department that, of the 11,618 greyhounds whose year of birth was 2021, 442 greyhounds currently hold an active status, while 11,176 are recorded as inactive. Of those recorded as inactive, 5,333 were exported overseas.
2022 - Of the 10,842 greyhounds whose year of birth was 2022, 2,128 greyhounds currently hold an active status, while 8,714 are recorded as inactive. Of those recorded as inactive, 4,677 were exported overseas.
2023 - Of the 8,156 greyhounds whose year of birth was 2023, 2,422 greyhounds currently hold an active status, while 5,734 are recorded as inactive. Of those recorded as inactive, 3,702 were exported overseas.
2024 - Of the 8,282 greyhounds whose year of birth was 2024, 5,098 greyhounds currently hold an active status, while 3,184 are recorded as inactive. Of those recorded as inactive, 2,330 were exported overseas.
RCÉ also informed my Department that as of 2nd May 2026, 468 greyhounds are on the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust (IRGT) Rehoming List awaiting a vacancy in one of the Rásaíocht Con Éireann operated Care or Foster Centres.
The IRGT does not differentiate between coursing and non-coursing greyhounds, as it has a statutory duty for the welfare of all greyhounds. The IRGT does not distinguish and record separate data and therefore, this figure encompasses all registered greyhounds under its programmes.
134. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the sanctions his Department has in place for anyone who is found to be mistreating or abusing animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35776/26]
View answerMy 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 Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 is the main legal instrument available to my Department to enforce animal welfare standards.
The Act provides for a range of penalties that may be imposed. On summary conviction, an offender may be fined up to €5,000 (a Class A fine) and/or be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of up to 6 months. On conviction on indictment, a fine of up to €250,000 and or a term of 5 years imprisonment may be imposed.
To date, 226 successful prosecutions have been taken under the Act, and a number of other investigations are ongoing.
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.
Since the introduction of the Act, approximately 1,000 staff within my Department have been designated as authorised officers. A large number of these authorised officers are based in my Department’s network of Regional Veterinary Offices throughout the country, providing nationwide coverage. In addition, authorised officers have also been appointed in the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Rásaíocht Con Éireann and the Irish Horse Racing Board. However primary responsibility for protecting the welfare of animals rests with the owner or keeper.
A feature of the enforcement of the Act is my Department can work alongside An Garda Síochána and the Local Authority on certain enforcement matters, resulting in a very effective and efficient use of resources.
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 e-mail 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 welfare issues received by my Department, including breaches of the animal welfare legislation, are acted upon and investigated.
I am satisfied that these measures provide a comprehensive framework and sufficient safeguards to ensure the welfare of animals.
135. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if simplification of schemes and a reduction in paper work for farmers will be a key priority policy issue during Ireland’s Presidency of the EU; the discussions he has had to date with the Commission and with other Member States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35777/26]
View answerThe delivery of schemes in a simplified manner for both farmers and for Member State administrations is an issue that consistently informs Ireland's approach both to negotiations on the regulatory framework at EU level, and to the design and implementation of measures 'on the ground'.
Simplification will therefore be a key consideration as we progress the negotiations on the CAP and National and Regional Partnership Plan legal framework during our forthcoming EU Presidency. It will also inform our approach when it comes to applying that legal framework to the design and implementation of CAP measures for the period post-2027.
More generally, the priorities and policy programme for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU are currently under development. This work is being led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in close coordination with the Department of the Taoiseach, and with the active participation of all Departments across Government.
The policy objectives we set for our Presidency will be further shaped by our own priorities across a wide range of areas. In this regard the Government, recognising the importance of ensuring that stakeholder groups have their voices heard, has held, and will continue to hold, a series of consultation meetings with stakeholders from across business, civil society, trade unions and other interest groups.
Following the conclusion of this process, the Government will agree and publish our programme of policy priorities for the Presidency in June 2026, shortly before the start of Ireland's Presidency term.
136. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on the Protection of the Native Irish Honey Bee Bill 2021; in particular to confirm when the scientific research report issued to his Department in December 2024 will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35731/26]
View answerThe Protection of the Native Irish Honey Bee Bill 2021, which seeks to ban the importation of non-native honey bees, is a Private Members Bill and is currently before Dáil Éireann, Second Stage.
Following advice from the Office of the Attorney General, my Department procured independent scientific evidence and in October 2023, a 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. Following the completion of the evaluation, the research service provider (NUIG) was afforded the opportunity to respond to the evaluator’s comments and these comments were received in September 2025. My Department is currently finalising the overall response to the report and publication will be considered once the bill progresses in line with the procedures of the Oireachtas.
137. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there will be an extension to the end date for submissions for the fuel support package beyond 22 May 2026 (details supplied). [35760/26]
View answerThe Fuel Income Support Scheme opened for applications last Wednesday May 6th and remains open until 27th May 2026. More than 1,270 applications were submitted to the Fuel Income Support Scheme in its first two days and the number of applications received will continue to be actively monitored.
I introduced a scheme after engagement with the farm representative bodies that is straightforward, targeted and capable of getting money to farmers and farm contractors very quickly. The need for payments to start as soon as possible has been emphasised and we are enabling this and will continue to assist both farmers and farm contractors with their applications.
My Department engaged with representative bodies in terms of scheme design and operation on an ongoing basis. A meeting was held on the morning of the scheme opening with stakeholders to demonstrate the application system. My Department will continue to assist both farmers and contractors with their applications.
The scheme will, for the first time, provide a direct support to farm contractors, recognising the vital work they play in our farming systems.
The application form has been designed to minimise the administrative burden and the number of applications to date indicates how straightforward the application process is for both farmers and contractors. To apply for the scheme, farmers only need to declare their MGO usage in 2025, no additional information is required.
138. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the land use strategy from his Department’s perspective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34342/26]
View answerLand underpins our world class agri-food sector, worth some €21 billion in export value in 2025, as well as providing environmental and recreational services. Land use is complex and multifaceted, the demands on land are growing and balance is needed in our approach.
The Final Report for Phase 2 of the independently chaired Land Use Review Phase 2 Oversight Group has been received by myself, the Minister for Climate, Energy and Environment, Darragh O’Brien, and the Minister of State at Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Christopher O’Sullivan. The report is undergoing wider governmental consideration at present.
The Land Use Report Phase 2 has sought to compile an evidence base to inform and support landholders and policymakers in their future decisions for land-use in the context of achieving Ireland’s agricultural, socio-economic, climate and environmental objectives. The report will not be an articulation of government policy or strategy in relation to land use, given that there are many economic, environmental, and social considerations to be balanced in the context of land use. Rather, this report will help to inform and support future considerations in this complex area including for example, leadership in leveraging the role of State-owned lands to achieve integrated land use objectives.
139. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline his and his Department’s response to the provisional application of the Mercosur trade agreement. [35745/26]
View answerI note the provisional application of the EU-Mercosur Interim Trade Agreement, which has taken effect since 1st May 2026.
The Government has highlighted Ireland’s concerns in relation to the EU-Mercosur Agreement over a number of years, particularly in relation to its potential impact on the beef sector, the strength of its climate and sustainability commitments, and the production standards enforced by Mercosur countries.
Our focus is in ensuring rigorous monitoring by the Commission of the Agreement’s market impacts, as well as the robust enforcement, where necessary, by the Commission of the provisions of the safeguards regulation.
We will also continue to engage closely with the Commission to ensure that it follows through on its additional commitments in relation to food safety and environmental standards, as well as its stated intention to better align the production standards of imported products with EU production standards – particularly with regard to pesticides and animal welfare.
All of this work will be crucial to fully addressing the concerns of our farmers and our consumers.
140. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a list of all capital projects, including fishery harbour, forestry, agrifood and other infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of his Department, and bodies under its aegis, which have been completed in County Clare for each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35407/26]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that there have been no capital projects, including fishery harbour, forestry, agri-food and other infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of my Department in County Clare, in the past five years.
As regards the 13 State Bodies under the aegis of my Department, the information requested is an operational matter for the State Bodies themselves. I have referred the Deputy’s question to the Agencies and have requested that a response should issue within 10 days.
