Written Answers Nos. 255-274
255. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide a breakdown of the grants awarded to a society (details supplied) under the equine technical support scheme for 2025. [44748/26]
View answerThe information in respect of the grants paid to the named organisation under the Equine Technical Support Scheme for 2025 is as follows:
|
Project |
Amount paid |
|
Parentage Verification for First Time Registrations 2025 |
€72,362.22 |
|
Upgrades to Animal Management System (AMS) platform |
€6,650.00 |
|
Database upgrades |
€1,470.00 |
|
Database upgrades |
€1,435.00 |
|
Online Inspection entry |
€7,770.00 |
|
IT development |
€8,155.00 |
|
IT development |
€5,530.00 |
|
Online Show Entry |
€9,275.00 |
|
Purchase of new passport stud machine |
€4,033.74 |
|
CPBS Stand at the RDS (Dublin Horse Show) 2025 |
€10,274.36 |
|
Marketing and Promotion |
€16,000.00 |
|
Inspections within the CPBS Studbook |
€53,752.76 |
|
Connemara Pony Breeders Education Initiative 2025: Bridging Tradition and Innovation |
€10,636.32 |
256. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the outstanding payment for a person (details supplied) under the water EIP scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44763/26]
View answerI can confirm that the person named is a participant in the Farming for Water EIP and will be paid for measures undertaken once all of the required checks have been completed.
257. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the financial or other incentives in place to encourage reforestation of land or setting aside land for biodiversity purposes. [44787/26]
View answerIn the development of Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027 and the Forestry Programme 2023-2027, all areas of my Department worked closely together to ensure that financial measures were developed which promoted a variety of environmental actions.
The Eco-scheme and the Agriculture Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) offered within the CSP provide financial supports that aim to reward farmers for undertaking voluntary measures at landscape level which are beneficial for climate, biodiversity purposes, water quality and the environment. The Organic Farming Scheme also interacts with these measures.
My Department’s Forestry Programme also offers landowners a choice of 12 Forest Types which cover a broad range of planting options. A 20% broadleaf species component is now mandatory for all mixed forest types, thus supporting increased biodiversity and habitat linkages. The afforestation site is also treated with particular regard to biodiversity, comprising a combination of open spaces and retained habitats.
Regarding reforestation, mandatory replanting conditions are determined as per my Department’s Felling and Reforestation Policy (DAFM, 2017) and in line with Sustainable Forest Management Principles.
However, the opportunity exists to incentivise species diversity and alternative forest management systems at reforestation stage over and above these mandatory requirements.
The Climate Resilient Reforestation (CRR) Pilot Scheme provides supports that incentivise species and structural diversity which increase the resilience and adaptiveness of forest land to climate related threats. The scheme offers Reforestation for Continuous Cover Forestry, for Native Woodlands, and for Biodiversity and Water Protection.
The Scheme is available to private forest owners whose forests are ready to be clear-felled in the coming years and in circumstances which suits their requirements. Grant funding and 7 years of payments for ecosystem services are available. The grant can be used for measures that ensure successful re-establishment, such as planting, plant protection (e.g. fencing) and maintenance.
258. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on proposals from an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44794/26]
View answerMy Department, along with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage established the Irish Deer Management Strategy group to develop a strategy for the sustainable management of deer in Ireland. The Group comprised representatives from my Department, National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Coillte. A report was published into “Developing a Sustainable Deer Management Strategy for Ireland” in December 2023.
My Department is committed to progressing the implementation of the actions identified by the Irish Deer Management Strategy Group (IDMSG) in this report. The Programme Manager, who was appointed following an advertised public procurement process, works closely with the IDMSG, my Department and the National Parks and Wildlife Service in prioritising and implementation of the short term recommendations identified in the report.
I understand the DMSG are considering a proposal to incentivise the removal of low value deer which have a disproportion impact on the growth of the population. It is clear that we need a sustainable long term solution to the management of the national deer population, which necessitates development of the necessary infrastructure.
259. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to concerns raised about the welfare of a group of greyhounds (details supplied); if he will provide information on the reason these dogs were removed and then subsequently returned to their owners; if rehoming of these dogs is being considered at this stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44796/26]
View answerRásaíocht 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.
The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for RCÉ and, therefore, the question has been referred to that body for direct reply.
260. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to urgently increase the compensation caps, in the interest of fairness, for TB reactors from €3,000 to €5,000 and from €5,000 to €7,000 for pedigree animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44803/26]
View answerBovine TB is an ongoing challenge for Irish farmers. I am acutely aware of the emotional and financial impacts of bovine TB on farmers, their families and rural Ireland.
Budget 2026 provided an increased budget for the TB programme for 2026. This will allow the TB programme to focus on driving down disease through the implementation of the measures laid out in the bTB Action Plan.
It will support and enable farm families who are currently dealing with the stress of a TB outbreak to navigate a way out of a TB restriction and protect those herds currently free from TB from the stress of a TB outbreak.
The objective of the new measures in the Bovine TB Action Plan is to reduce the number of farms affected by bTB and decrease costs for all stakeholders.
My Department provides a range of financial supports that focus on compensating farmers for both direct and indirect losses incurred as a result of a TB breakdown on the farm.
The primary support scheme is the On Farm Market Valuation scheme where animals removed as reactors receive compensation subject to scheme ceilings equivalent to their market value in the event they were not disclosed as TB reactors.
In addition to the compensation package for eligible reactor animals that are removed during a TB breakdown, my Department operates three supplementary schemes that assist farmers with the indirect losses incurred as a result of a TB breakdown on their farm including the income supplement scheme, depopulation grant scheme and hardship grant scheme.
As part of the work of the TB Forum, a dedicated Financial Working Group was established to review the financial modelling of various elements of the Bovine TB Eradication programme.
As a result of the agreement reached in this Group, over the last two years there were rate enhancements to the Income Supplement Scheme, the Hardship Grant and the Depopulation Grant as well as enhanced ceilings for select animals being removed as part of the On Farm Market Valuation.
Market prices of animals continue to be monitored, however the focus at present is on reducing the levels of disease which will reduce the impact of bTB on Irish farm families and reduce the cost of the programme which has risen to over €121 million in 2025.
261. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of cattle diagnosed with signs of TB for each year from 2015 to the end of May 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44804/26]
View answerI am very aware of the emotional and financial challenge of a bovine tuberculosis (bTB) breakdown for Irish farmers, their families and rural communities. In recent years there has been a significant increase in bTB levels nationally. In 2025 there were 37,834 reactors compared with 15,317 in 2015. The table below shows the number of reactors for each year from 2015 to 2025 and from 1 January to 31 May 2026.
|
Year |
Number of Reactors |
|
1/1/26 to 31/5/26 |
11,448 |
|
2025 |
37,834 |
|
2024 |
41,682 |
|
2023 |
28,901 |
|
2022 |
23,393 |
|
2021 |
20,931 |
|
2020 |
22,614 |
|
2019 |
17,058 |
|
2018 |
17,491 |
|
2017 |
17,266 |
|
2016 |
16,914 |
|
2015 |
15,317 |
To address these high disease levels, I launched the ‘Bovine TB Action Plan: Addressing Bovine TB in Ireland’ in September 2025 it includes 5 measures and 30 actions underpinned by scientific research, evidence and veterinary expertise. The aim of the Action Plan is to reset the TB programme by putting in place measures necessary to tackle the current disease situation.
There has been encouraging progress in recent months in reducing bTB levels. As at 31 May 2026 over a 12 month period the herd incidence was 5.34% down from 6.38% and the number of herds restricted was 5,336 down over 17% from 6,448. This is due to the combined efforts of all stakeholders in engaging with farmers to reduce the risk bTB poses to Irish herds and rural communities.
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.
264. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the implications of Ireland’s climate and land-use targets for 2030 for farmers and landowners who have already established forestry plantations; whether existing forest owners will have an entitlement to carbon credits or carbon-related income streams arising from the sequestration provided by their forests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44817/26]
View answerBoth EU and National climate policy has set net carbon removal targets for the land use sector in Ireland, which includes Forestry. Forestry has the capacity to be a hugely significant policy lever in meeting Ireland’s climate targets and within this carbon farming is a key management activity.
In the context of Forestry, carbon farming means managing the forest to enhance its ability to take up and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions from soils and management practices. It can create a new green business model for forest owners generating income through carbon markets. Existing forest owners can pursue such voluntary initiatives in the trading of carbon and other corporate social responsibility mechanisms. In general, carbon farming schemes or initiatives will require a forest to meet specific criteria to be certified.
At EU level, the European Commission has developed a Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming (CRCF) Regulation, which will create the first EU-wide voluntary framework for the certification of carbon removals. The Commission is in the process of establishing tailored EU certification methodologies for different carbon removal activities, including afforestation and agroforestry. A draft forest management methodology is expected to be developed in the next year. My Department are engaged with the Commission on this process, in order to ensure that the methodologies developed have applicability for forest owners in Ireland.
At national level, my Department is leading the development of a Carbon Farming Framework to support putting farmers and forest owners at the centre of meeting our National and EU climate objectives. Work is ongoing in this area with a view to delivering a National Framework for Carbon Farming in 2026.
265. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether consideration is being given to introducing ongoing support or income mechanisms for owners of non-commercial forests following the expiry of forestry premium payments; and the proposals under consideration in this regard. [44818/26]
View answerMy Department currently offers a number of support measures that relate to management and conservation of broadleaf forests including for the development of skills that allow owners and their foresters to sustainably manage their forests.
These measures include:
• The Woodland Improvement Thinning and Tending Scheme for broadleaves aims to improve the quality and value of retained trees by removing poorer quality stems and redirecting growth onto better quality ones.
• A newly launched iPLAN scheme for Forest Management Plans which promotes more active forest management resulting in forests that have greater capacity to deliver eco-system services, climate resilience, roundwood value and forest health vitality than those that are not subject to forest management planning practices.
• A Forest Roads scheme that facilitates the construction of new forest roads to support forest management. Forest owners can receive €66 per linear metre for new roads constructed.
• Forestry Knowledge Transfer Groups (KTGs) whose aim is to increase the level of forest management activity and expertise amongst participating forest owners.
• The NeighbourWood Scheme provides a range of options to support private and public forest owners considering developing their forest into attractive, easily-accessible local woodlands for the recreational use and enjoyment by communities in both urban and rural parts of Ireland.
• The Native Woodland Conservation Scheme aims to conserve existing native woodland at key locations.
Forest owners may also qualify for an annual per hectare payment of 7 years duration through the NeighbourWood and Native Woodland Conservation Schemes. Work is also ongoing in the area of Carbon Farming with a view to delivering a National Framework for Carbon Farming in Ireland, as outlined in the Programme for Government.
266. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department has examined forestry replanting obligations in other EU Member States; which Member States permit alternative land use following harvesting in certain circumstances; and if he will provide a comparative assessment of Ireland’s replanting requirements. [44819/26]
View answerMy Department has not carried out an examination of replanting conditions in other member states and does not intend to provide a comparative assessment of replanting requirements.
The felling and replanting of trees in Ireland is regulated by the Forestry Act 2014 which ensures that areas felled are replanted. Replanting obligations are assessed on application and in accordance with my Department's Felling and Reforestation Policy. There are limited circumstances where deforestation is allowable and where replanting alternative areas is acceptable. For example, there are cases where trees are removed without replanting to improve the status and condition of areas protected by the Habitats Directive. Other examples include felling for utilities and renewable energy projects.
The recent EU Deforestation Regulation applicable in all members states is targeted at preventing deforestation and the placing on the EU market of products produced from such lands. This regulation will require all member states to have national policies which reflect and align with this regulation. My Department is currently updating the Felling and Reforestation policy guidelines to align with the EU Deforestation regulation.
267. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures which are being taken to ensure forestry is recognised as an integral component of whole-farm planning under the Common Agricultural Policy and future land-use strategies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44820/26]
View answerIn the development of the current Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan and the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 all areas of my Department worked closely together to ensure that measures were developed which related to tree planting and promoted integration of tree planting and forestry on farms:
• The Afforestation Scheme 2023-2027 pays farmers 33% more in annual premium payments than other landowners.
• The Afforestation Scheme also offers an agroforestry option for farmers that allows land parcels declared as agroforestry on a BISS application to qualify for an Organic Farming Scheme payment.
• The Native Tree Area Scheme facilitates small scale planting of native tree and is aimed at re-engaging farmers with afforestation. Only land that has been used for agricultural purposes is eligible for consideration.
• Newly planted forestry continues to qualify for the new Basic Income Support for Sustainability Payment (BISS), subject to the underlying eligibility rules for BISS and may also be eligible for an Eco-scheme per hectare payment.
• Tree planting actions were included in both Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 of the CAP Strategic Plan.
• If an applicant for ACRES is a participant in the Native Woodland Establishment Scheme or Agroforestry, they may be eligible for Tier 2 priority entry.
A national public consultation on the CAP post-2027 proposals has recently been undertaken by my Department.
Deliberative dialogues on the development of the next Forestry Programme 2028–2032, involving stakeholder, landowner and public are underway to explore the most efficient mechanisms to support further integration of forestry as part of a diverse land holding and farm enterprise.
I am confident that any future Forestry Programme will continue to provide generous incentives for farmers and other landowners, particularly offering farm families an opportunity to increase and diversify their income streams while remaining complementary to CAP.
268. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of forestry owners affected by ash dieback who were deemed ineligible for support under the reconstitution of ash dieback scheme, by county; the reasons for such exclusions; whether a review of eligibility criteria is under consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44821/26]
View answerSince the initial finding of ash dieback disease in Ireland, my Department has provided support to owners of grant aided forests impacted by the disease. This is currently administered through the Reconstitution Ash Dieback Scheme 2023-2027 and the Climate Action Performance Payment (CAPP) Scheme and includes:
• 100% increase in the site clearance grant rate, from €1,000 to €2,000 per hectare.
• Enhanced replanting grant rates under the new Forestry Programme 2023-2027; depending on forest type.
• Climate Action Performance Payment will entitle ash forest owners who clear their sites and replant to a further €5,000 per hectare.
The majority of applications received have been approved, with 1,638 approvals issued since September 2023 while 17 applications have been refused to date.
A breakdown by county of number applications refused is provided below:
|
Reconstitution and Under planting |
|
|
County |
No. of Refusals |
|
Clare |
4 |
|
Cork |
2 |
|
Galway |
2 |
|
Leitrim |
2 |
|
Limerick |
1 |
|
Mayo |
3 |
|
Offaly |
2 |
|
Sligo |
1 |
The applications detailed above were refused as they did not meet the criteria of the ash plantations having 20% or less of another species intimately mixed through the plantation or felling works had started prior to a decision being made.
While funded through the Exchequer, all forestry reconstitution schemes must comply with European Union State Aid rules. The criteria for State Aid to the Forestry Sector is outlined within the Guidelines for State aid in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas, in conjunction with the Agricultural Block Exemption Regulation (ABER). Aid in the favour of reconstitution schemes must comply with strict criteria allowing for restoration of the forestry potential.
My Department continues to actively encourage those who have been affected and have not applied to the Reconstitution Ash Dieback Scheme 2023-2027 to do so as soon as possible.
269. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the changes to forestry legislation and associated schemes since 2014 which have affected compensation arrangements for forest disease outbreaks and the treatment of forestry within agricultural support systems; and if he will provide details of those changes. [44822/26]
View answerMy Department has historically provided financial support to owners of forests impacted by qualifying disease outbreaks, such as those affected by Ash Dieback. Since the launch of the first Ash Dieback supports in 2013, over €31 million has been paid out to beneficiaries.
The current Reconstitution Ash Dieback Scheme 2023-2027 includes the following features:
• 100% increase in the site clearance grant rate, from €1,000 to €2,000.
• Enhanced replanting grant rates under the current Forestry Programme 2023-2027
I would encourage all ash forest owners who have not yet reconstituted their forest to apply under this scheme.
The legal basis for such Reconstitution schemes offered by my Department is established under Section 6 of the Forestry Act, 2014. Each scheme iteration contains bespoke terms and conditions and operates in accordance with the relevant State Aid rules.
While funded through the Exchequer, all forestry schemes must comply with European Union State Aid rules. The Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) contains a general prohibition on the use of State aid. However, it allows for several policy objectives and circumstances that may be considered compatible with the internal market, such as for significant disease outbreaks.
The criteria for State Aid to the Forestry Sector is outlined within the Guidelines for State aid in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas, in conjunction with the Agricultural Block Exemption Regulation (ABER). Aid in the favour of forestry must comply with strict criteria, which is outlined and assessed separately to agricultural supports.
State Aid rules in place from 2014 onwards do not facilitate for compensation arising from disease outbreaks or other adverse events. Instead, the rules facilitate aid towards the reconstitution of the damage and the restoration of the forestry potential.
270. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to give favourable consideration to an appeal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44829/26]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that the Agriculture Appeals Office operates independently of this Department.
The Agriculture Appeals Office is an independent office established in 2002 to provide an appeals service to farmers who are dissatisfied with decisions of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine concerning designated Schemes operated by the Department. The Agriculture Appeals Act 2001, along with the Agriculture Appeals Regulations 2002, as amended, set down the functions of the Director and the Appeals Officers, the decisions that may be appealed and the procedures to be followed in respect of appeals.
I have been advised that as of today’s date, no appeal has been submitted to the Agriculture Appeals Office from the person named.
271. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to urgently provide additional respite beds for adults with profound disabilities in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44636/26]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
272. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to urgently provide additional respite beds for children with profound disabilities in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44637/26]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
273. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to outline plans for the St. Mary of the Angels Campus in Beaufort, County Kerry; to consider this location as a centre of excellence for respite in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44638/26]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
274. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the steps being taken to address delays in accessing Children’s Disability Network Team services, particularly occupational therapy supports; whether data is available on waiting times for occupational therapy assessments and interventions within Children’s Disability Network Teams; if so, to provide the latest available figures, in tabular form; the reasons for delays being experienced by children with sensory processing needs; the measures in place to ensure equitable access for children whose needs may not include physical disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44703/26]
View answerAs this question refers to the service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
