Written Answers Nos. 625-644
626. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide an update on his plans for alcohol licensing reform to support the nighttime economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49835/26]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to updating our licensing laws, and in line with that commitment, this will be progressed in due course.
Other night-time economy matters are the responsibility of the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.
627. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of cases taken, and successful prosecutions, under the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act 1989 and the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005 since enactment, broken down by year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49857/26]
View answerThe management of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and the Constitution. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.
It should be noted that the Department does not record data relating to convictions, as this is a function of the courts.
To be of assistance I have referred this question to the Courts Service for their direct reply to the Deputy.
The Deputy may also wish to note that the Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie.
628. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding streams available through his Department for agricultural shows or gymkhanas or other equine events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48756/26]
View answerI provide funding for various initiatives under National Breeding Services (NBS) which is delivered under contract to my Department by Horse Sport Ireland (HSI).
The NBS provides supports to the sport horse sector for the breeding and production side of the sector. One of the initiatives under this Scheme is the 'Breeding Grant' which is specifically available for equine events and provides funding for breeding and production initiatives for young horse classes and production events.
Details of the initiative can be found on the following link: www.horsesportireland.ie/breeding-grant-2026-now-open-for-applications/. In 2026, a total of 71 equine shows and events will receive funding from the €600,000 budget.
I also provide funding to the Irish Shows Association. In 2025, this funding totalled €82,500.
629. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether an organisation (details supplied) has informed his Department, Sport Ireland or any other State body of the total value of payouts, settlements, legal costs, insurance claims or related expenditure arising from bullying allegations, workplace complaints, HR disputes or employment-related claims in the past five years; whether the total value is in the region of €2.6 million; and whether he will require the organisation to provide a full breakdown of these costs. [48871/26]
View answer630. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he accepts that the fact bullying-related payouts or legal costs that may have been covered by insurance does not remove the need for accountability, investigation or governance review; and his views on whether insurance coverage does not address the underlying workplace culture, harm caused to staff, reputational damage or potential failure of senior leadership oversight. [48873/26]
View answer631. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that an organisation (details supplied) has a safe and properly governed workplace culture; whether any independent investigation has been undertaken into bullying allegations, HR disputes or workplace complaints within the organisation; and if he will require an independent review into whether there has been a systemic workplace culture problem within the organisation. [48875/26]
View answer632. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether senior leadership within an organisation (details supplied), including the CEO and COO, have been assessed in respect of their responsibility for workplace culture, staff welfare, complaints handling and governance; and whether any accountability measures have been taken following bullying-related claims, settlements or legal disputes. [48877/26]
View answer645. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department or Sport Ireland has been informed of any decision by the board of an organisation (details supplied) regarding the renewal, retention or performance review of the CEO; his views such a decision should proceed while serious concerns remain unresolved; and if he will request that any CEO contract decision be paused pending an independent governance review. [48987/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 629, 630, 631, 632 and 645 together.
The organisation named is a company limited by guarantee.
Operational matters including employment oversight and governance issues do not fall under the remit of my Department.
633. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current number of outstanding horse passport applications with an organisation (details supplied); the average processing time for passports in 2023, 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; the number of applications delayed beyond the target processing time; and the action he is taking to ensure breeders, owners and producers are not financially damaged by passport delays. [48879/26]
View answerThe processing of equine passport applications is an operational matter for the seven approved Passport Issuing Organisations (PIOs). However, my Department monitors the performance of PIOs and emphasises the importance of the timely issuing of equine passports. Where unacceptable delays arise, my Department engages directly with the relevant PIO.
Following the introduction of a new IT system by the organisation referenced in 2024, delays occurred in the processing and issuing of equine passports. My Department engaged with the organisation to address these issues, which have since been resolved. My Department continues to receive regular performance reports. The most recent report indicates that 96% of applications are issued once DNA results have been received.
634. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of passport errors, corrections, duplicate passports, identification issues or complaint cases have been recorded by an organisation (details supplied) in each of the past five years; whether his Department audits the accuracy of passport data; and if he is satisfied that the current system protects the integrity of animal identification, traceability, breeding records and export requirements. [48881/26]
View answerPassport Issuing Organisations (PIOs) are authorised under EU and national legislation to issue equine identification documents and to maintain the associated records required for the identification and traceability of equines. My Department has delegated these functions to PIOs in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/429 (the Animal Health Law).
As responsibility for the issuing and administration of equine passports rests with the individual PIOs, my Department does not maintain records of the number of internal passport issues or complaint cases recorded by each organisation. Accordingly, such information is not generally available to my Department. The issue of duplicate passports is provided for in EU legislation where an identification document has been lost and the identity of the horse can be established or where a horse has not been registered within the statutory limits and is not an indicator of efficiency issues by a PIO.
As the number of duplicate passports issued by PIO is information deemed to be commercially sensitive the table shows the total number of duplicate passports issued by all PIOs over the last five years.
|
- |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Duplicates issued 2021 to 2025 |
1066 |
915 |
889 |
802 |
1276 |
My Department’s equine traceability system incorporates a range of checks and validation measures designed to ensure that identification errors are not accepted onto the Central Equine Database. These controls support the accuracy and integrity of equine identification and traceability records. Where issues arise, my Department engages directly with the relevant PIO to ensure appropriate corrective action is taken.
I am satisfied that the current system, including the controls operated by my Department and the oversight of authorised PIOs, provides appropriate protection for the integrity of animal identification, traceability, breeding records and export requirements. The organisation concerned is operating in accordance with applicable national and EU legislative requirements.
635. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether he is aware of concerns that an organisation (details supplied) passporting and IT system may require or result in two barcodes being used in relation to horse identification; whether this could create confusion or risk in the long-term identification of animals; and if he will order an independent technical and veterinary review of the system before further implementation. [48883/26]
View answerThe processes employed by the organisation referenced in carrying out its functions as a passport issuing organisation (PIO) are a matter for that organisation. Concerns regarding the use of barcodes have not been raised with my Department. I am aware that multiple barcodes may appear on different elements of a horse’s identification including the microchip, the marking chart and the identification document. These barcodes all relate to the same unique identification number and therefore support traceability by ensuring consistency across the identification system.
My Department raised this matter with the organisation referenced and sought clarification on whether different barcodes were being used in the identification of horses. The organisation have confirmed that this is not the case.
636. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of public and industry money has been spent by an organisation (details supplied) on IT systems over the past five years; who approved this expenditure; the procurement process that was used; if value-for-money assessments were carried out; and if he is satisfied that the systems delivered are functional, fit-for-purpose and serving breeders, vets, owners and riders effectively. [48885/26]
View answerThe organisation referenced received grant aid from my Department under a number of schemes to support the development of equine traceability systems and related IT infrastructure. The Equine technical support scheme provides financial support to help improve quality equine breeding as well as investment in IT infrastructure in the non-thoroughbred horse sector. The E-passport scheme was funded from the Brexit Adjustment Fund. E-passports have benefits in reducing the admin burden associated with registering horses and keeping their details up to date which improves traceability and assists with international movements. The Equine Traceability Scheme was developed in response to recommendations contained in the Wall Report, which identified the adoption of digital technologies as a means of reducing administrative burden and improving traceability.
The details of the funding received by the organisation referenced are set out in the table below:
|
Year |
Scheme |
Details of investment |
Funding paid |
|
2021 |
Equine Technical Support Scheme |
Self-Service Cloud Portal on Azure for HSI Breeding & Registration |
€48,875.00 |
|
2022 |
Equine Technical Support Scheme |
IT System Upgrade |
€38,315.50 |
|
2023 |
Equine Technical Support Scheme |
IT system New Services |
€14,483.25 |
|
2023 |
E-passport scheme |
Development of e-passport system |
€618,488 |
|
2025 |
Equine Technical Support Scheme |
Horse Source IT Development |
€50,000.00 |
|
2025 |
Equine Traceability Scheme |
Further development of Horse Source to improve traceability |
€128,736 |
The funding provided under these schemes was approved by my Department in accordance with the terms and conditions of the relevant schemes. As the organisation referenced is responsible for the procurement, acquisition and operation of its own IT systems, decisions regarding individual contracts, procurement processes and associated value-for-money assessments are matters for that organisation. My Department does not hold detailed information on individual procurement exercises undertaken by the organisation.
My Department oversees Passport Issuing Organisations in terms of their compliance with statutory obligations and operational requirements, including matters relating to governance and the delivery of passport services. Where issues arise, my Department engages directly with the relevant organisation. My Department is not aware of any issues with the IT systems employed by the organisation referenced in fulfilling its role as a delegated body for the issuing of equine identification documents.
637. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to stakeholder concerns that, rather than the organisation (details supplied) fixing its IT system, breeders, vets, stallion owners and owners are being forced to change their processes to accommodate a fractured and poorly functioning system; and if he considers this acceptable for a publicly funded organisation delivering a statutory or quasi-statutory identification service. [48888/26]
View answer638. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware that stallion owners are reportedly experiencing payment delays or non-payment due to an organisation's (details supplied) passporting or IT system failures; the number of such cases that have been reported; the financial impact this is having on stallion owners and breeders. [48889/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 637 and 638 together.
Passport Issuing Organisations (PIOs) are delegated bodies authorised under EU and national legislation to issue equine identification documents and to maintain the associated records required for the identification and traceability of equines. Their statutory role relates to the registration and identification of equines and the maintenance of breeding and identification records, as applicable.
The payment of nomination fees, covering fees or any other commercial arrangements between stallion owners, breeders and third parties are private contractual matters. Such payments do not form part of the statutory functions of PIOs and it is not the role of either my Department or a PIO to administer or facilitate payments between private parties.
Where concerns arise regarding the operation of a PIO in carrying out its delegated statutory functions, my Department engages directly with the organisation concerned to ensure compliance with the relevant legislative requirements. However, matters relating to commercial payments between stallion owners and breeders fall outside the remit of my Department’s equine identification functions.
639. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware that breeders are reportedly being required to call out vets more than once due to failures or delays in an organisation's (details supplied) passporting process; if his Department has assessed the additional cost to breeders; and whether this organisation will be required to compensate breeders where additional veterinary costs arise due to administrative or IT failures. [48892/26]
View answerWhile I am not aware of the reports referenced by the Deputy, officials in my Department constantly monitor progress in relation to the issuing of equine passports by the organisation named and receive fortnightly updates.
640. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the medical, physiotherapy, equine physiotherapy, veterinary, psychological, logistical and performance supports provided by horse sport Ireland to Irish equestrian athletes and horses at the most recent Olympic games; how this compared with supports provided to athletes in other publicly funded sports; and whether the Minister is satisfied that public funding intended for high performance was spent primarily on athlete and horse performance supports. [48894/26]
View answer643. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether a high performance expenditure within an organisation (details supplied) is subject to full board oversight, independent review and stakeholder scrutiny; whether it is accurate that high performance spending is treated as being solely under the remit of the executive; and whether he considers this appropriate for an organisation receiving significant public funding. [48983/26]
View answer661. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether an organisation (details supplied) has provided a full breakdown of expenditure related to the most recent Olympic Games; whether it is correct that staff in the organisation chose accommodation outside of that provided by the Olympic Federation at an additional cost to the organisation; and whether he will require publication of the full Olympic expenditure report. [49473/26]
View answer663. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether an organisation (details supplied) has provided the Department with detailed high performance accounts for each of the past five years; whether these accounts are reviewed by the Department, Sport Ireland or any other State body; and whether the Minister will require the organisation to publish detailed high performance income and expenditure, including athlete supports, staff travel, accommodation, consultancy, administration, team supports, veterinary/medical supports. [49477/26]
View answer664. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an organisation (details supplied) has introduced a high performance levy of €45 per FEI entry; whether he has assessed the financial impact this will have on Irish riders, young riders, professional riders, owners and breeders; and if he considers it appropriate that riders may be required to pay thousands of euro extra per year to compensate for high performance funding gaps or overspending within the organisation. [49479/26]
View answer665. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether he accepts that additional levies imposed by an organisation (details supplied) may create barriers to entry for young riders and professional riders without significant family wealth; whether any equality, access or affordability assessment was carried out before the high performance levy was introduced; and if he will require the organisation to suspend the levy pending full consultation with riders, owners and stakeholders. [49481/26]
View answer666. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether he has considered the potential impact of an organisation (details supplied) may high performance levy on Ireland’s competitiveness internationally; whether the levy may make Irish riders more expensive for owners compared with riders competing under other national federations; and whether this could result in international owners choosing non-Irish riders due to lower administrative and federation costs. [49483/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 640, 643, 661, 663, 664, 665 and 666 together.
My Department’s remit is to support the sport horse sector in relation to breeding and production side of the industry.
Matters concerned with sport including High Performance expenditure, accounts and levies and the Olympic Games falls under the remit of the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and Sport Ireland.
641. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason no compensation was provided to a person (details supplied) following the forced depopulation of their herds during the period 1984 to 1987; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48897/26]
View answerFollowing an enquiry in 2024 my Department conducted a thorough search of records but was unable to identify any outstanding issues related to Bovine Tuberculosis or Bovine Brucellosis payments for these herdnumbers. Following another search recently, this remains the case. I understand the outstanding issues date back to the 1980s when digital systems were not in place. My Department’s policy is to send all completed files to the National Archives, where they are stored until their appropriate retention period has expired, after which they are permanently destroyed.
If the herdowners can provide more evidence in relation to the issue, the appropriate next step would be for them to contact my Department at the Regional Veterinary Office, Poplar House, Poplar Square, Naas, Co. Kildare, (045) 873035, email KildareDVO@agriculture.gov.ie who may be able to assist in locating any relevant documentation or information to help resolve the issue.
642. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures his Department is taking to ensure that the beef being imported from Mercosur countries are not containing any type of chemical preservative to their fresh meat which, achieves an extended shelf life, leading to negative health impacts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48912/26]
View answerBeef can only enter the EU from non-EU countries which are listed by Regulation (EU) 2021/405. Before a non-EU country is listed and can gain access to the EU market, it must apply for listing by the European Commission, and the application must be evaluated satisfactorily by the Commission. Following its listing, the country may propose establishments for listing. Establishments producing beef intended for export to the EU must comply with the public health requirements specified in Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 853/2004.
Also, consignments of beef entering the EU from any non-EU country, including Mercosur countries, must do so through an approved Border Control Post (BCP). At the BCP, consignments are subject to official controls in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/625. These controls include documentary checks, identity checks and, where required, physical examinations and sampling. Consignments that satisfy these controls may be released from the BCP for placing on the market.
As part of the certification process in the non-EU country, the official veterinarian must certify that the meat fulfils the guarantees covering animals and products thereof provided by the control plan on residues and contaminants submitted in accordance with Article 6(2) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/2292, and that the third country, or region thereof, of origin is listed as approved by the EU for importation of beef.
Controls on imported beef, including testing for residues, are governed by EU legislation on official controls, and are graduated and risk-based. Consignments entering any EU Member State from any third country are sampled and tested in accordance with a national, risk-based monitoring plan (NRCP) for residues and contaminants, in line with Regulation (EU) 2017/625. The NRCP must be approved by the European Commission. Sampling at BCPs is targeted based on risk factors, including previous compliance history and EU-wide monitoring priorities.
Where serious or repeated non-compliances are identified, intensified official controls may be applied, including increased and targeted sampling, additional physical checks, or other appropriate enforcement measures.
Imported beef placed on the market in the EU must comply with EU food safety and labelling rules. Imported beef is required to bear a date of minimum durability. Labelling checks of imported product are among the controls carried out at the BCP.
644. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether an organisation's (details supplied) status as a company limited by guarantee limits the Department’s ability to scrutinise its spending, governance, executive decisions or internal financial controls; and whether the Minister considers it acceptable for an organisation receiving significant public funding to refuse to publish detailed accounts on the basis of internal governance structures. [48985/26]
View answerThe oversight of funding I provide to the named organisation for National Breeding Services (NBS) and Equine Technical Support Scheme (ETS) is not impacted by their legal status.
The NBS is subject to a contract which has an annual work plan agreed and monitored by my officials.
The funding provided under ETS is for specific projects which are approved following a competitive application process and is governed by Terms and Conditions which must be adhered to before payment is made.
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/services/equine-technical-support-and-equine-breeding-schemes/.
