Written Answers Nos. 915-934
916. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has been informed of the outcome of an investigation by officers in Rásaíocht Con Éireann, into complaints of animal cruelty at a Rasaiocht Con Eireann licensed kennel in the west of Ireland (details supplied); the outcome of this investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39635/26]
View answerMy Department is aware of this matter which is under investigation by officers in Rásaíocht Con Éireann, who are authorised officers under the Animal Health & Welfare Act 2013. It is the policy of my Department not to comment on individual cases.
My Department takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously and responds to any reports of alleged animal cruelty or legislative non-compliance.
My Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation to Phone No. 01 607 2379 and email address animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie.
917. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration is being given to reviewing current afforestation licensing rules in relation to planting distances from overhead electricity infrastructure, in light of concerns regarding the impact of fallen forestry on power lines during storm Éowyn and the importance of maintaining forestry corridors to protect the integrity and resilience of the electricity network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39706/26]
View answerIn July 2025 the Government approved the priority drafting of the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill 2025 which will enhance the resilience of the electricity grid.
The purpose of this Bill is to enable proactive measures, such as the establishment and maintenance of designated forestry corridors within existing forestry.
The Heads of Bill allows for the creation of Corridors up to a width of 55 metres for distribution lines and up to 74 metres for the transmission lines.
The specific arrangements will be provided for in subsequent regulations. I have discussed this matter with Minister O’Brien and our Departments are engaging to find solutions that improve the resilience of the electricity network without unduly hindering the development of sustainable forestry.
918. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether Coillte or the National Forest Inventory maintains stand-level data on the percentage composition of tree species within individual forestry plantations; and if he will provide details of the methodology used to classify plantations by dominant species. [39800/26]
View answer919. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether any formal definition exists within Coillte, the National Forest Inventory or his Department for "monoculture forestry" or "near-monoculture forestry"; and if he will provide the applicable thresholds or criteria. [39801/26]
View answer921. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether biodiversity reporting within the National Forest Inventory distinguishes between forests containing incidental secondary species and forests designed as genuinely mixed-species plantation [39803/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 918, 919 and 921 together.
The National Forest Inventory (NFI) is a multi-resource survey carried out over the entire national forest estate which collects a wide variety of information, including details on tree species composition. In the most recent NFI, completed in 2022, there were 2,020 sample plots, each representing approximately 400 hectares nationally.
The NFI does not maintain stand-level data on the percentage composition of tree species. The assessment of species composition in the NFI takes place on circular sample plots measuring 25.24 metres in diameter. All tree species are included in the assessments, regardless of how dominant they are.
My Department does not have any definition of "monoculture forestry" or "near-monoculture forestry". The NFI has reported on the number of tree species present at each sample plot. In 2022, 23% of the stocked forest area had one tree species present, 25.5% of the area had two species present, 19.7% had three species present and the remaining 31.8% having four or more tree species present.
The fifth NFI commenced field data collection in January 2026 and is expected to be completed in 2028. With repeated NFI cycles, changes to the overall species composition in the forest estate can be monitored over time.
In 2025, the most popular forest type included in the area afforested was the creation of new native forest. This was followed the forest type, mixed coniferous high forests, where a minimum 20% broadleaves must be planted. Both of these forest types will lead to the development of new mixed species forests.
920. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of hectares within the State forestry estate in which Sitka spruce represents greater than 75%, 90% and 95% respectively of total tree composition. [39802/26]
View answer922. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proportion of annual new planting undertaken by Coillte comprised predominantly Sitka spruce in each year from 2015 to 2026. [39804/26]
View answer923. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether any climate resilience or disease-vulnerability assessments have been undertaken regarding the concentration of Sitka spruce within the State forestry estate; and if he will provide details of any such assessments. [39805/26]
View answer924. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether any targets exist to reduce reliance on Sitka spruce planting within publicly owned forestry lands over the next decade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39806/26]
View answer925. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether Coillte maintains GIS or digital mapping identifying mixed-species forestry stands within the State forestry estate; and whether such information is publicly accessible. [39807/26]
View answer926. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether any independent ecological assessment has been undertaken comparing biodiversity outcomes between predominantly Sitka spruce plantations and mixed-native woodland systems on State-owned forestry lands. [39808/26]
View answer927. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department has assessed the long-term economic, biodiversity and storm-resilience implications of continued reliance on Sitka spruce as the dominant commercial forestry species within the State forestry estate. [39809/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 920, 922, 923, 924, 925, 926 and 927 together.
The National Forest Inventory (NFI) is a survey carried out every 5 years over the entire national forest estate which collects details on tree species composition. In the most recent NFI, 2022, there were 2,020 sample plots, each representing approximately 400 hectares.
The NFI includes a comprehensive national ecological assessment of biodiversity within plantation forestry. All tree species are included in the assessments.
Coillte 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 and is currently managing 440,000 hectares of land (7% of the total area of Ireland). The day-to-day operations, such as the management of their forests, are a matter for the company.
Coillte's Strategic Vision sets out its ambitions to deliver the multiple benefits of forests for climate action, biodiversity and recreation, while continuing to deliver for the forest and wood product industry.
A guiding principle of this ambition is to increase the area of its forest estate being managed for nature from 20% to 50%. As of 2025 Coillte achieved its ambition to manage 30% of its estate primarily for nature and biodiversity.
I have asked Coillte to respond directly to the Deputy on the matters raised, such as independent ecological assessments, GIS or digital mapping, Sitka Spruce planting targets, and climate resilience and disease-vulnerability assessments.
928. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers in County Tipperary participating in ACRES; the number awaiting payment; the total amount paid to farmers in the county to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39930/26]
View answerThe Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme, or ACRES, is a national multi-annual agri-environmental climate measure. 53,290 farmers are currently participating in the Scheme, with a total of €783.8 million paid, in core scheme payments, to ACRES participants to date. A further €8.1 million has been paid to farmers in the ACRES Co-operation approach for the implementation of approved non-productive investments under the Scheme.
There are 1,883 farmers in Co. Tipperary currently participating in ACRES, with a total of €26,392,122.54 paid to date in respect of their participation in the Scheme.
I can confirm that there are currently 200 participants in Co. Tipperary that are not yet up to date with ACRES payments.
A further €205,422.87 has been paid to date to farmers in Tipperary who are participating in the ACRES Co-operation approach in respect of their implementation of approved non-productive investments. There are currently 12 Tipperary farmers with non-productive investment claims submitted awaiting payment.
Payments in respect of farmers' participation in the ACRES Scheme continue to issue on a weekly basis as cases pass all required validation checks.
929. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the efforts being made to deal with the rising cases of animal cruelty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39940/26]
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. To date, 226 successful prosecutions have been taken under the Act, and a number of other investigations are ongoing.
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.
In December 2025, I awarded funding of almost €6.5 million to 94 animal welfare charities nationwide, under the Animal Welfare Grants Programme. These awards support the provision of education and knowledge sharing to the public on animal welfare and responsible pet ownership, helping to raise animal welfare standards.
My Department operates a confidential animal welfare Helpline and e-mail address through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation on:
Helpline Phone No: 01 607 2379.
Email address: animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie.
930. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the breakdown of the number of BISS applications made this year detailing activity class (details supplied), in tabular form. [39951/26]
View answerThe Active Farmer check implemented by my Department in the current CAP programme verifies that an agricultural activity is being carried out by an applicant, with minimum levels of activity specified and required.
The below table details the number of BISS applications made under the requested activity classes only in 2026.
|
Active Farmer Claim |
Number of Claims |
|
Forestry Eligible |
327 |
|
Growing eligible crops |
1847 |
|
Keeping horses/donkeys/deer |
457 |
|
Keeping sheep/cattle/goats |
3940 |
|
Maintaining Landscape Features e.g. cutting hedges, cleaning ditches |
296 |
|
Making Hay/Silage/Haylage |
1539 |
|
Share Farming (applicable only to Applicants with Tillage land parcels) |
7 |
|
Topping |
278 |
Applicants can also, where appropriate, use prior year stocking as their active farmer claim or claim multiple activities.
931. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department intends to apply to the EU's CAP crisis reserve fund for funding to support farmers affected by the increase in fertiliser prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39969/26]
View answerThe geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East is continuing to put pressure on fertiliser prices, and on its likely availability as the year progresses. I therefore appreciate the focus on fertiliser at EU level, and the recognition that this is a significant farm input that has an impact on the cost of food production.
In that context, my Department is carefully considering the European Commission's Fertiliser Action Plan which was published last week. I look forward to engaging with the Commission on the implementation of its proposed short- and long-term responses, including any proposals the Commission may make in relation to the CAP crisis reserve.
My Department will continue to monitor the impact on input costs from the conflict in the Middle East, including in relation to fertiliser.
932. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will provide funding for farmers to offset the increase in the cost of fertiliser; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39970/26]
View answerMy Department has no function in terms of fertiliser cost 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. However I continue to monitor the market situation and engage with the fertiliser importers.
The EU Commission published its Fertiliser Action Plan on 19 May. My Department is currently reviewing the Fertiliser Action Plan and will continue to do so as the details of the various proposals mentioned in the Plan are brought forward by the Commission in the coming period.
The EU Commission published a draft Regulation amending the original CBAM Regulation which proposes a new Article 27a which would enable the Commission to remove a commodity from the requirements of the CBAM Regulation in the event of serious and unforeseen consequences on price. The Government supports the objective of Article 27a within CBAM and the Department of Finance continues to engage with the EU Commission on its proposal.
Farmers, when considering input requirements for their farming enterprise, should consult with their advisor to decide on the most cost effective and efficient use of inputs.
933. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has conducted recent research relating to BVD testing and calves coming out with a P1 result in terms of possible causes of infection in calves; the way they could have picked up the infection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40252/26]
View answerMy Department has participated in joint research with Animal Health Ireland, the School of Veterinary Medicine in Ireland (UCD) & the School of Veterinary Medicine - University of Nottingham, under the National BVD eradication programme. The scientific evidence compiled from the latest research outcomes has supported the programme’s actions and enhance policies in this regard over recent years.
In terms of the source of infections, the National BVD eradication programme carry out regular analysis of the epidemiological investigations funded by my Department and performed by trained private veterinary practitioners under the Target Advisory Service on Animal Health (TASAH).
A summary of those analyses are published in the publications listed below:
Frontiers. A Herd Investigation Tool in Support of the Irish Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Eradication Programme. 2021, Guelbenzu-Gonzalo and colleagues. (www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2021.694774/full).
Risk factors for detection of bovine viral diarrhoea virus in low-risk herds during the latter stages of Ireland’s eradication programme - ScienceDirect. 2022, Casey-Bryars and colleagues. (www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016758772200040X).
My Department supports the Action Plan 2026 of the BVD eradication programme operated by Animal Health Ireland, which is taking a proactive and strengthened approach to tackling Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) in 2026 and beyond.
934. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if 18 month old bullocks that passed the tissue test as male calves and have a clear result cannot be sold when they are separated from a dairy herd that previously had infected calves that had to be disposed of following notification of the tissue sample results that showed a P1 result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40253/26]
View answerThe National BVD eradication programme operated by Animal Health Ireland on behalf of my Department set up the measures to further accelerate progress towards BVD-freedom while supporting farmers and the wider agricultural sector. Compliance with the programme’s guidance is the key to control and prevent the spread of the BVD virus across the country, and achieve final eradication.
The immediate measures for herds with BVD positive or inconclusive results in 2026 include: immediate herds restriction and the notification of neighbouring herds within 400 metres.
Herd restrictions may be lifted once all three of the following measures funded by my Department are fully completed and at least four weeks have passed following the removal of the last positive or inconclusive animal(s). Those measures are whole herd testing, epidemiological investigation and vaccination.
It is widely recognised that the final stages of any eradication programme are very challenging, with a population that is increasingly susceptible to the disease. That is why we must ensure that the efforts of all those in combating a disease which was costing farmers an estimated €184 million per year in reduced productivity when this programme started are not undermined as we move closer to the goal of the BVD programme.
It is important that as we move towards BVD freedom that we remain vigilant in ensuring our efforts to eliminate this disease from our farms ultimately succeed.
