Written Answers Nos. 790-809
790. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current uptake figures and payment details for the €55 million reconstitution scheme for storm damage by storm Darragh and storm Éowyn under the 2023-2027 Forestry Programme; the average grant per hectare paid to farmer applicants to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36929/26]
View answerApplications for the Reconstitution Scheme for Windblow have been open since 15th April 2026. To date there have been 33 applications submitted with one approval issued. Of those submitted my Department is actively prioritising the requisite administrative and inspectorate checks.
Consequently, at this stage, there have not been any applications for payments.
792. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for a detailed breakdown of the €93 million forestry allocation in Budget 2026, including the amounts ring-fenced specifically for farmer premium top-ups, fencing and road grants, agroforestry and reconstitution schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36931/26]
View answerThe 2026 capital allocation of €93m for forestry provides attractive financial incentives and a broad range of planting options.
An amount of €54.3m is allocated for forest creation to service existing liability for grants and premia payments for older schemes, as well as fund grants, including agroforestry, fencing and premia supporting afforestation schemes under the current Forestry Programme 2023 - 2027.
However, forestry remains demand led with the overall budget allocation monitored to respond to this demand. Consequently, payable amounts vary according to species planted or replanted, and the supports required.
Some €38.7m is allocated for Forestry Supports for the National Forest Inventory, Environmental Assessments, including road grants and Reconstitution schemes. This also includes the Reconstitution Scheme for Windblow launched at the beginning of this year providing supports to forest owners affected by Storms Éowyn and Darragh.
My Department continues to promote forestry as an attractive land use option and has published a comprehensive communication plan to promote the options available to farmers and landowners, and to continue to grow a healthy forestry sector that supports Ireland in meeting its afforestation, climate, biodiversity, economic and recreational targets.
793. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures in place to ensure that the Department’s public land afforestation initiative involving 33 public bodies and 338 hectares does not result in the loss of productive agricultural land or compete directly with the needs of active farmers for grazing or tillage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36932/26]
View answerMy Department is leading a Planting on Public Lands initiative as part of the implementation of the Forestry Programme 2023–2027. The initiative supports public bodies in identifying suitable lands for planting, navigating technical and regulatory requirements, and aligning projects with appropriate forestry schemes.
Forest Type 3, Planting on Public Lands, is an afforestation schemes established to specifically help Government department, local authorities, semi-states, state agencies and public bodies to establish new forests on public land at zero capital cost, while contributing to climate action, biodiversity and recreation goals.
It is important to emphasise that afforestation is a voluntary land-use choice for all land owners, and in the case of public organisations they decide which of their lands are appropriate to plant. The initiative does not displace productive agricultural activity or compete with the grazing and tillage needs of farmers. The focus of this initiative is to identify suitable and underutilised lands where planting can deliver environmental and social benefits alongside existing agricultural land uses.
794. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the consultation process that will be followed for the development of the next Forestry Programme post-2027; the steps being taken to ensure that the views of the farming sector are given priority over corporate or investment interests in shaping future afforestation targets and incentives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36933/26]
View answerThe Government’s preferred model of afforestation is for farmers to plant trees on their land. The Afforestation Scheme 2023-2027 pays farmers 33% more in annual premium payments than other landowners through a longer premia term of 20 years for farmers, compared to 15 years for non-farmers, across most Forest Types. Newly planted forestry also continues to qualify for the Basic Income Support Payment (BISS) Scheme, subject to underlying BISS rules.
The incentives currently on offer to farmers demonstrate our continued commitment to farmers and rural communities and this will remain a core consideration in the development of the next Forestry Programme 2028 -2032.
Forestry, however, remains demand led and a complex land use choice which is not solely based on incentives.
My Department recognises that developing a stronger understanding of landowner motivations, behavioural barriers and stakeholder engagement dynamics is critical to the success of the next Forestry Programme.
My department is working actively to ensure the inclusion of a diverse stakeholder perspectives across the forestry sector, and that forestry policy and programme design are informed by robust evidence and behavioural insights.
In 2025 this work included a research programme involving qualitative research with key stakeholder groups, behavioural analysis of landowner decision-making, and the facilitation of structured engagement workshops. Evidence and insights from this work is already supporting the delivery of the current forestry programme, schemes, communications and stakeholder engagement.
A very productive engagement workshop was recently hosted with the Forest Strategy Consultative Committee (FSCC) on the 13th of May. While the FSCC represents a broad range of Forestry stakeholders a comprehensive engagement programme will soon commence to ensure the inclusion of a broad range of stakeholders, landowners, and the public in the development of the next Forestry Programme.
795. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm that the national target of increasing forest cover to 18% by 2050 will not come at the expense of Ireland’s food production capacity or the viability of family farms; the current balance between afforestation and active agricultural land use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36934/26]
View answerIreland’s current forest policy is guided by the Forest Strategy 2023-2030. Its overriding objective is to urgently expand the national forest estate on both public and private land in a manner that will deliver lasting benefits for multiple objectives. This Strategy aims to create the conditions that will lead to a substantial increase in forest cover with an ambition to reach 18% at some point in the future. The Forestry Programme 2023-2027 is key to contributing to this ambition and provides for a diverse range of forest types.
Afforestation in Ireland is entirely voluntary and the pace at which 18% forest cover will be achieved will depend on how actively farmers and landowners engage in these demand led afforestation schemes.
Currently, the national forest estate in Ireland has reached 11.6% of the total land area. In line with Ireland’s Climate Action Plan, my Department is committed to an expanded and sustained afforestation. It must be said that increasing afforestation rates will prove to be extremely challenging, but there is little doubt increasing afforestation levels will be required to move towards our climate goals.
Forest creation can provide opportunities for income, employment and enterprise diversification, particularly in rural areas and for family farms. Trees and forests are sometimes considered separate from traditional agricultural activities, but forest creation can be a valuable, integrated element of any farming enterprise. It can complement and contribute to existing farming activities and offers a competitive long term land use option and investment opportunity without impact food production nationally.
796. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding any engagement he has had with an animal welfare organisation (details supplied) in relation to animal welfare measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37033/26]
View answer802. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the proposals from an animal welfare organisation (details supplied); specifically in relation to the creation of a centralised database for anyone breeding, selling, or transferring the ownership of a puppy, or litter of puppies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37040/26]
View answer803. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the proposals from an animal welfare organisation (details supplied); specifically in relation to the creation of a standalone junior ministry within his Department that would be responsible for animal welfare for domestic pets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37041/26]
View answer804. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the proposals from an animal welfare organisation (details supplied), specifically in relation to the creation of a centralised database for all dogs in Ireland to allow for traceability of dogs with tracking from puppyhood all the way through a dog's life; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37042/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 796, 802, 803 and 804 together.
My Department has regular engagement with the organisation concerned through their participation in the Dog Control Stakeholder Group and the Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare.
Regarding traceability, microchipping can play an important role in ensuring dog welfare as clear identification helps deter irresponsible behaviour and enables more effective enforcement where incidents of mistreatment, neglect or abuse occur. I am focused on maximising the effectiveness of the dog microchipping system by strengthening adherence to the rules already in place and educating owners on their obligations. My Department’s aim is to make compliance with microchipping rules the only socially acceptable behaviour. Responsible ownership protects animal welfare, supports enforcement, and underpins public confidence, and it must be the standard we all uphold.
I hope to bring forward a new Dog Breeding Establishments Bill shortly.
There no plans currently to create a junior ministry with responsibility for animal welfare for domestic pets.
797. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total level of State funding provided to animal welfare organisations in 2022, by organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37034/26]
View answer798. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total level of State funding provided to animal welfare organisations in 2024, by organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37036/26]
View answer799. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Minister the total level of State funding provided to animal welfare organisations in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37037/26]
View answer800. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total level of State funding provided to animal welfare organisations to date in 2026, by organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37038/26]
View answer801. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the merits of providing multiannual funding for animal welfare organisations to allow for greater long-term planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37039/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 797, 798, 799, 800 and 801 together.
Animal welfare is a key priority for my Department and considerable funding is provided to support eligible animal welfare charities nationwide, through the annual Animal Welfare Grant Programme, which is administered by my Department.
The 2026 animal welfare grant programme process, has now launched and animal welfare charities that meet eligibility criteria have been invited to submit applications for funding. In December 2025, I provided funding of almost €6.5 million to 94 animal welfare charities throughout the country. This figure represents the highest allocation of funding awarded under the Animal Welfare Grants programme.
A decision on the level of funding provided for animal welfare organisations, through the animal welfare grants programme, will be made later in the year. There are currently no plans to introduce multi annual funding allocations.
The information requested by the Deputy is available below, please note this information represents the funding provided by my Department. Other public bodies may have funding schemes available for animal welfare organisations to access and they would be able to provide information on same.
Animal Welfare Grants Programme
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2025 |
€6,434,803 |
|
2024 |
€5,993,558 |
|
2022 |
€5,801,444 |
805. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if, given the clear and present need to ensure energy security, his Department is planning on accepting more applications than initially expected under the TAMS 3 solar capital investment scheme; if rejected applications from farmers in County Carlow will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37167/26]
View answer806. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if, given the clear and present need to ensure energy security, his Department is planning on accepting more applications than initially expected under the TAMS 3 solar capital investment scheme; if rejected applications from farmers in County Kilkenny will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37168/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 805 and 806 together.
The Solar Capital Investment Scheme (SCIS) is one of the eleven schemes within the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3).
SCIS has proved to be extremely popular, with payments of over €32 million issued to farmers since payments commenced in June 2024. To date, 6,086 applications have been received, with 3,447 approvals issued, allowing those farmers to proceed with their investments. Approvals are continuing to issue on eligible applications once checks have been completed.
TAMS 3 is a demand-led scheme with a defined budgetary allocation. Given that we are now over halfway through the current CAP Strategic Plan (CSP), it is prudent that we are mindful of the budget available for the remaining TAMS tranches.
In order to ensure that the available budget is distributed fairly over the remainder of the CSP programming period, it was necessary to limit the number of approved applications in recent tranches by applying ranking and selection criteria (RASS).
The table below provides a breakdown of the number of applications in SCIS that were unsuccessful in Tranche 9 and Tranche 10 in Counties Carlow and Kilkenny. Those that were unsuccessful in Tranche 9 automatically rolled over into Tranche 10 while those unsuccessful in Tranche 10 will be rolled over into Tranche 11 and will be considered again when an assessment of all tranche 11 applications takes place later this month.
Breakdown of applications unsuccessful in Tranche 9 and Tranche 10 RASS
|
COUNTY |
Tranche 9 |
Tranche 10 |
|
CARLOW |
43 |
102 |
|
KILKENNY |
82 |
193 |
The TAMS scheme will be kept under ongoing review for the remainder of the CSP based on the number of applications received and the available budget.
807. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has any usage policy on or if it sanctions for official purposes the use of messaging apps (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37194/26]
View answerThe use of software including messaging apps on Department devices is governed under the Department’s Information Security Acceptable Use policy and is in line with circular 09/2019 "Policy on the Use of Private Email and Other Private Messaging Services".
808. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason animals will not be released back to a herd owner (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37238/26]
View answerMy Department has examined the issue regarding the herd in question. My Department clarified the position with the herdowner on 12 May 2026 and had a follow-up meeting on 13 May 2026 to progress any outstanding issues.
The suspension on the herdowner's herd was removed on 15 May 2026. My Department is available to engage in any outstanding issues with the herdowner.
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809. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to urgently examine issues outlined in correspondence (details supplied); the measures he is putting in place to protect native honey bees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37247/26]
View answerEU Animal Health Regulations set down rules for the entry of bees into and movement within the EU. The Regulations also contain specific provisions to safeguard the health of bees located in the territory of the Union, including safeguarding against the tropilaelaps mite.
To date, the tropilaelaps mite has not been reported in Ireland. Nevertheless, my Department is aware of the increasing threat posed to the beekeeping sector by this pest and is closely monitoring the situation.
Furthermore, my Department engaged with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland to enhance biosecurity readiness, and participated in a bee health contingency test exercise for the tropilaelaps mite and Small Hive Beetle held in conjunction with the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute in February 2024.
My Department operates the Sentinel Apiary Programme the aim of which is to ensure the early detection of two exotic pests, Small Hive Beetle and Tropilaelaps spp. The 2026 programme is due to commence shortly and anyone interested in participating in the programme for 2026 can contact Beekeeping@agriculture.gov.ie for further information.
My Department is very supportive of beekeepers and beekeeping associations in their efforts in the conservation of the native Irish honey bee. The Annual Grants to Irish National Beekeepers Federations which is Exchequer funded provides an annual grant to the four Irish National Beekeepers Federations. In 2025, the four national beekeeping federations received a total of €25,500 through this measure for initiatives, including the conservation of the native Irish honey bee.
My Department also provides funding under Conservation of Plant and Animal Genetic Resources Scheme. The Native Irish Honey Bee Society (NIHBS) received funding in 2021 and 2024 under this scheme for projects related to the conservation of the native Irish honey bee and their application under the 2026 Scheme has also been approved.
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 including specialised bee breeding equipment. In addition, €121,000 was paid out under the National Apiculture Programme in 2025 to support beekeeping through an approved applied research project.
