Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 June 2026
262. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to advance the transposition of the EU Soil Monitoring Directive, which was passed in December 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44812/26]
View answer263. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to advance the EU Soil Strategy 2030 during Ireland’s Presidency of the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44813/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 262 and 263 together.
The European Commission adopted an EU Directive on Soil Monitoring and Resilience, which entered into force in December 2025. The long-term objective of the Directive is to ensure that all soils across the EU are in healthy condition by 2050, as outlined in the soil strategy.
The Soil Monitoring Law is under the remit of DG Clima and the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment are the leading on the transposition of the Soil Monitoring and Resilience Directive.
My department works closely with the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, the lead government department, representing Ireland on the EU Soil Expert Group, alongside Teagasc, who provide key scientific and technical expertise regarding technical implementation of the Directive. The all of government approach includes the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (including NPWS), the Environmental Protection Agency and Geological Survey Ireland.
My department will actively engage with the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment regarding soil during Ireland's Presidency. Equally, we are working closely with Teagasc and the European Commission in preparation for Ireland to host the fourth European Mission Soil Week during our Presidency.
