Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
719. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide information on the average size of the outdoor access area available to the hens on free-range farms; if there is a minimum outdoor space requirement set down by his Department for all free-range egg farms; if all organic egg farms provide outdoor access to the birds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44930/26]
View answerThe stocking density of free range hens is provided for in Annex II (1) (c) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/2465. This Regulation sets down the prescribed area in order for eggs to be classified as free range and states that the maximum stocking density of open-air runs must not be greater than 2,500 hens per hectare of ground available to the hens or one hen per 4m2 at all times. However, where at least 10m2 per hen is available and where rotation is practised and hens are given even access to the whole area over the flock’s life, each paddock used must at any time assure at least 2.5m2 per hen.
Irish free range egg production facilities generally have 4m2 of space for hens to roam.
With regards to organic poultry, continuous daytime open air access shall be provided from as early an age as practically possible and whenever physiological and physical conditions allow, except where temporary restrictions have been imposed on the basis of EU legislation.
