Shane Moynihan
Question:613. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the main policy achievements of his Department since 22 January 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50794/26]
View answerDepartmental Policies
Questions (613)
Written answers
The Programme for Government, “Securing Ireland's Future”, was published in January 2025. Of the 122 actions in the Agriculture and Food, and the Fisheries and Marine sections, my Department was identified as the lead organisation for 105. 32% of the actions are either ‘Target achieved’ or ‘Substantial action undertaken & ongoing’, with another 61% reported as ‘Action commenced & progressing’.
The table below provides a status overview of these actions.
|
Action Status |
Number of Actions |
|
Total actions where DAFM is the lead Department |
105 |
|
Target achieved |
5 |
|
Substantial action undertaken and ongoing |
28 |
|
Action commenced and progressing |
64 |
|
Action not yet commenced |
8 |
Some of the main achievements since January 2025 include:
• Continued Government support for farmers under the €9.8 billion CAP Strategic Plan and via specific sectoral supports.
• Preparations for a new round of CAP post-2027 have commenced. These will continue through Ireland's Presidency of the AGRIFISH Council in the second half of this year.
• Ireland has secured the continued availability of the Nitrates Derogation for a further three years.
• Ongoing implementation of Food Vision 2030, our shared stakeholder-led strategy for the continuing development of the agri-food sector, including progress across the dairy, beef & sheepmeat, tillage, horticulture, organics, forestry and fishery sectors. A new dashboard to track economic, environmental and social progress has been launched. A new 'Food Vision Seafood Sector Group' was established. A mid-term review of Food Vision is currently ongoing.
• My Department issued more than €2.18 billion in payments to farmers and fishers over the course of 2025.
• The launch of the Bovine TB Action Plan.
• The launch of the second National Farmed Animal Biosecurity Strategy (2025-2030).
• Ongoing market access work, including the opening of the Thai and Vietnamese markets for Irish beef exports, priority export markets for the beef sector.
• The announcement of a new €30 million National Tillage Sustainability Support Scheme.
• The publication and ongoing implementation of the Report of the Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming.
• The re-establishment of a dedicated Minister of State for Fisheries and Marine issues.
• The allocation of €27.75 million for capital projects in Ireland’s publicly owned harbours through the 2025 Fishery Harbour Centre and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme.
• The signing of a €105 million Partnership Agreement with the World Food Programme, the world’s largest humanitarian organisation, over the period 2025 to 2027.
• The launch of Phase 2 of the €26.2 million Vista Milk Research Ireland Centre and the launch of DAFM’s €30 million Thematic Research Call 2025.
• The opening of the National Centre for Brewing and Distilling in Oakpark, Teagasc, which has been allocated funding of €2.3 million by DAFM since 2020.
• The establishment of the One Health Oversight Committee.
I will continue to lead the development of the agri-food and fisheries sector in collaboration with stakeholders and to deliver on our Programme for Government commitments.
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (614)
John Paul O'Shea
Question:614. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications received, the number approved/awaiting decision under the latest targeted agricultural modernisation scheme (TAMS) application process, per county; the measures being taken to ensure timely payments to farmers undertaking capital investment projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51096/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) provides grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings.
To date my Department has issued almost 50,000 approvals, allowing farmers to proceed with their investments. Payments of over €172 million have issued to TAMS 3 participants, with average payments of €2 million continuing to issue on a weekly basis.
The average processing time for the vast majority of TAMS 3 applications are in line with the agreed targets as set out in the Farmers' Charter. Approvals are issued within 3 months of ranking and selection of files under each tranche, and no longer than 6 months following the closure of a tranche.
My Department will continue to process applications and issue approvals in a timely manner to allow farmers sufficient time to plan and proceed with their proposed on-farm investments.
The statistics detailed below cover tranches 1-12 of the Scheme. Tranche 12 is currently being checked prior to undergoing ranking and selection. This checking allows applicants the opportunity to correct minor administrative errors.
|
County |
Applications Received |
Applications Approved |
Awaiting Decision |
|
CARLOW |
1263 |
954 |
152 |
|
CAVAN |
2975 |
2306 |
337 |
|
CLARE |
2913 |
2131 |
479 |
|
CORK |
8720 |
6514 |
1035 |
|
DONEGAL |
4172 |
3033 |
778 |
|
DUBLIN |
325 |
243 |
29 |
|
GALWAY |
5948 |
4400 |
860 |
|
KERRY |
3632 |
2797 |
426 |
|
KILDARE |
1353 |
960 |
157 |
|
KILKENNY |
2682 |
1964 |
401 |
|
LAOIS |
1819 |
1329 |
246 |
|
LEITRIM |
1259 |
957 |
191 |
|
LIMERICK |
2545 |
1856 |
363 |
|
LONGFORD |
1468 |
1106 |
192 |
|
LOUTH |
734 |
567 |
70 |
|
MAYO |
3898 |
2867 |
617 |
|
MEATH |
2234 |
1654 |
263 |
|
MONAGHAN |
2096 |
1624 |
263 |
|
OFFALY |
1784 |
1358 |
198 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
2369 |
1777 |
319 |
|
SLIGO |
1476 |
1046 |
245 |
|
TIPPERARY |
4660 |
3207 |
838 |
|
WATERFORD |
1725 |
1223 |
290 |
|
WESTMEATH |
1690 |
1327 |
170 |
|
WEXFORD |
3078 |
2194 |
463 |
|
WICKLOW |
1154 |
869 |
130 |
|
Total |
67972 |
50263 |
9512 |
* Figures do not include applications which were unsuccessful following the Ranking and Selection process.
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (615)
John Paul O'Shea
Question:615. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports available to assist sheep farmers in addressing the impact of rising costs and evolving environmental requirements; the uptake of each related such schemes for Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51097/26]
View answerWritten answers
The comprehensive €100m Fuel Subsidy Support Scheme to assist farmers, agricultural contractors and fishers facing unprecedented increases in fuel costs should help to mitigate short-term impacts in those sectors and the recent Government announcement of the further extension of the full excise rate until the end of August will provide reassurance and certainty to farm families and businesses.
In Budget 2026, I secured an allocation of €131m for the livestock sector, which will ensure the continuation of existing dedicated supports, including those worth €42m to sheep farmers in 2026.
Those supports consist of €20m for the multi-annual CSP Sheep Improvement Scheme (SIS) and €22m for the annual National Sheep Welfare Scheme (NSWS).
The total number of Cork applications received for 2026 exchequer-funded NSWS is 851.
The total number of Cork applications for the 2026 EU co-funded SIS is 833.
In addition, there are many other multi-annual schemes available under the current CSP, which is worth €9.8 billion to farmers and rural communities between 2023 and 2027. These include basic income payments as well as agri-environment, investment and organic farming schemes, which are particularly significant for sheep farmer incomes. There are 179 farmers in Cork, who primarily farm sheep, with approximately 23,000 sheep in the Organic Farming Scheme.
I can also advise that my Department is also currently reviewing the Fertiliser Action Plan published by the EU Commission in May.
I am determined to continue providing sheep farmers with practical supports to ensure the future viability and environmental sustainability of those enterprises.
Beef Sector
Questions (616)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Question:616. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason Brazilian meat can have a shelf life of six months and its equivalent in Europe cannot have a quarter of that; if there is special treatment to the meat with chemicals; the reason it is safe for human consumption for six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51100/26]
View answerWritten answers
The date of minimum durability of meat is determined by the Food Business Operator that produces the meat. This date will vary according to the species of animal, processing conditions for the meat, the type of wrapping and, most significantly, the temperature at which the meat is transported and stored.
Irish meat, produced for the domestic market, is generally chilled to 3 to 7 degrees centigrade, whereas meat imported from Brazil is generally frozen to at least minus 18 degrees centigrade rather than chilled. Freezing meat gives it a much longer shelf-life than chilled meat without special treatment with chemicals.
Meat that has been frozen is safe to consume once the correct temperature chain has been maintained throughout the shelf life of the meat.
Departmental Strategies
Questions (617)
Malcolm Byrne
Question:617. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the implementation of the National Tillage Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51189/26]
View answerWritten answers
The tillage sector is an integral part of Irish farming and makes a significant contribution to overall agricultural output. This Government recognises the importance of the sector, the challenges it currently faces, and the need to support its sustainable development.
The report of the Food Vision Tillage Group sets out the roadmap for the sustainable growth and development of the tillage sector. It is a comprehensive report that identifies opportunities to grow the sector while further enhancing its environmental sustainability.
Implementation of the recommendations is ongoing, with progress reviewed regularly by the Food Vision Tillage Group. The Group most recently met on 28th May, when my Department, Bord Bia and other industry stakeholders provided updates on progress. My Department will continue to work closely with stakeholders to advance implementation of the report's recommendations, recognising that their successful delivery requires ongoing collaboration and commitment from many stakeholders across the sector.
Departmental Budgets
Questions (618)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:618. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated full-year cost of paying small farmers with an annual farm income of €20,000 or less a basic income payment of €10,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51354/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Central Statistics Office Farm Structure Survey 2023 indicated there were 133,174 farms in Ireland, with an average farm size of 34.7 hectares. This comprises a mix of full and part-time farmers.
The 2024 Teagasc National Farm Survey (NFS) represents around 88,000 of those farms (farms with a standard output of more than €8,000 per annum are included in the NFS). The data indicates that 53% (46,603) of those farms earned a Family Farm Income of less than €20,000. Additionally there are smaller farms that are not covered by the NFS (i.e. because their output is less than €8,000 per annum). These farms are surveyed periodically and according to the Teagasc Small Farms Report 2022, there are 48,356 such family farms.
Taking into account NFS 2024 and NFS Small Farms Report 2022 findings, 94,959 farms have Family Farm Income of less than €20,000. Paying a basic income payment of €10,000 to each totals approximately €950 million, with the caveat that this figure is based on survey data from different surveys in different years, subject to different assumptions.
It is important to note that Family Farm Income is not equivalent to household income, which may include off-farm income, either through off-farm employment, a pension or other social assistance. The NFS Small Farms Report 2022 indicates that 83% of small farm households had an off-farm income source, while National Farm Survey 2024 data indicates that 86% of farms had an off-farm income.
Ireland’s €9.8 billion Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan 2023-2027 includes the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) and the Complementary Redistributive Income Support for Sustainability (CRISS), which is designed to redistribute CAP funds from larger farms to medium and smaller sized farms. In 2024, Irish farmers received more than €2.11 billion in payments. NFS 2024 results indicate average direct payments (i.e. payments from my Department) of €21,388 to those farms covered by the NFS.
Beef Sector
Questions (619)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Question:619. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the shelf life of imported beef coming from Mercosur countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51555/26]
View answerWritten answers
Shelf-life is the period of time during which a food maintains its acceptable or desirable characteristics under specified storage and handling conditions. The shelf life of beef imported from Third Countries may be indicated by either a date of minimum durability (‘best before’) or a ‘use by’ date ,depending on the type of product- fresh, frozen, cured-and the processing it has undergone.
Products such as frozen meats are marked with a best before date and typically carry an extended shelf life of up to two years. Fresh meat which is highly perishable has a much shorter shelf life which is indicated by the use by date.
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (620)
Albert Dolan
Question:620. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide the web link to his Department’s Q2 2026 published report of purchase orders/payments over €20,000, in line with the FOI model publication scheme requirements; to confirm the date on which this report was published; and, if it has not yet been published, the planned publication date. [51556/26]
View answerWritten answers
My Department will publish the aforementioned information later this month when records have been compiled, in line with our reporting obligations. They will be available at the link below.
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/organisation-information/freedom-of-information-foi/#purchase-order-reports.
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (621)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:621. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if everyone who entered the SIM scheme (details supplied) will be paid in full; to increase the funds for the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51582/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) is a support Measure for tillage farmers which encourages them to increase soil organic carbon levels by chopping and incorporating straw from cereal and oilseed rape crops.
Under the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027, SIM has an overall allocation of €50 million with a projected annual spend of €10 million. Applications in 2026 amount to in excess of €16 million.
The Terms and Conditions for BISS and other area-based schemes sets out the various means by which the payment rates will be decided upon in circumstances where claims, as in 2026, are in excess of the available budget, namely:
• a linear cut to the rate of payment
• a degressive payment, and/or
• acceptance based on the application of tiered applications.
I'm acutely aware how important SIM is to tillage farmers and also the importance of farmers having certainty.
At present all possible options are being considered and a decision will be made shortly to allow farmers to plan accordingly.
Departmental Staff
Questions (622)
Donna McGettigan
Question:622. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of WTE qualified financial accountants currently working within his Department as of 29 June 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51719/26]
View answerWritten answers
My Department engages in workforce planning to assess its current and future recruitment needs. The educational qualifications required and the relevant selection criteria are reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis to ensure that they meet these needs. Tailored to specific grades, my Departments recruitment campaigns invite candidates who hold qualifications in many disciplines, including accountancy.
Full membership of a prescribed accountancy body supervised by the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA) was required on the competitions for Professional Accountant in my Department .
There are 4 WTE Staff members who are recorded in the Professional Accountant Grade as of the 29/06/2026.
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (623)
Eoin Hayes
Question:623. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total cost of engagement with a company (details supplied) in each of the years 2020 to 2025, across his Department, by project, year and value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51759/26]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to inform the Deputy that my Department has not engaged with the named company in the years 2020 to 2025.
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (624)
Eoin Hayes
Question:624. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total cost of engagement with a company (details supplied) in each of the years 2020 to 2025, across his Department, by project, year and value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51777/26]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to inform the Deputy that my Department has not engaged with the named company in the years 2020 to 2025.
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (625)
Eoin Hayes
Question:625. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total cost of engagement with a company (details supplied) in each of the years 2020 to 2025, across his Department, by project, year and value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51795/26]
View answerWritten answers
The information requested is set out in the table below. Each contract with the named company was awarded following a competitive procurement process and evaluation of tenders in accordance with my Department’s established public procurement procedures.
|
Year |
Project |
Value € |
|
2025 |
Inspection System that supports Schemes and Animal Health & Welfare Animal Health Systems International Trade System EU and National Schemes Land Information Systems which support Animal Health, Forestry, EU and National Schemes Platform and Architecture Support New Customer Portal |
€32,512,579.60 |
|
2024 |
Inspection System that supports Schemes and Animal Health & Welfare Animal Health Systems International Trade System EU and National Schemes Land Information Systems which support Animal Health, Forestry, EU and National Schemes Platform and Architecture Support Data Analytics Operations New Customer Portal |
€32,262,833.37 |
|
2023 |
Inspection System that supports Schemes and Animal Health & Welfare Animal Health Systems International Trade System EU and National Schemes Land Information Systems which support Animal Health, Forestry, EU and National Schemes Platform and Architecture Support Data Analytics Operations |
€31,893,340.75 |
|
Year |
Project |
Value € |
|
2022 |
Inspection System which supports Schemes and Animal Health & Welfare Animal Health Systems International Trade System EU and National Schemes Land Information Systems which support Animal Health, Forestry, EU and National Schemes |
€23,971,945.80 |
|
2021 |
Inspection System that supports Schemes and Animal Health & Welfare Animal Health Systems International Trade System EU and National Schemes Land information Systems which support Animal Health, Forestry, EU and National Schemes |
€18,178,974.18 |
|
2020 |
Inspection System that supports Schemes and Animal Health & Welfare Animal Health Systems International Trade System EU and National Schemes Land Information System |
€16,137,233.21 |
Agriculture Supports
Questions (626, 627)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Question:626. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department carried out any assessment of whether the 2023/2024 potato crop losses met the criteria for support under the EU Agricultural Reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51817/26]
View answerMichael Fitzmaurice
Question:627. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department sought advice from, or made any formal or informal representations to the European Commission regarding the availability of Agricultural Reserve support for Irish potato growers affected by the adverse weather conditions of late 2023 and early 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51818/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 626 and 627 together.
The Agriculture Crisis Reserve is an emergency fund within the Common Agricultural Policy designed to provide rapid financial support when farmers face severe, unexpected crises that disrupt agricultural markets such as extreme weather events, disease outbreaks or impacts from geopolitical events.
It is not intended to cover automatic compensation for every loss. Instead, it is used selectively for exceptional situations where coordinated EU action is considered necessary.
By way of example, following Member State applications in Spring 2024, the Commission endorsed applications relating to damage to orchards and heavy losses in fruit production in vineyards arising from a sequence of events which saw an exceptionally warm March, below freezing temperatures in late April and then additional hail in some regions. The Commission described these as "adverse climate events of unprecedented magnitude" because the affected area was extensive and the losses threatened the economic viability of a significant number of farms.
My Department continuously monitored the situation with respect to the 2023 potato crop harvest across the sector in late 2023 and early 2024 given the challenges posed by the weather conditions in that period. The adverse weather impacted growers to differing extents around the country. However, the vast majority of the 2023 planted crop was harvested, with a 97 % harvested rate achieved based on industry estimates. Overall, the potato sector remained relatively strong throughout 2023 and in 2024 despite the challenges posed by the weather events of 2023.
In this instance, given the high level of crop harvesting nationally and robustness of the sector during the period, the criteria for making an application to the Reserve were not considered to have been met.
My Department provides significant support to the potato sector through various Schemes and remains committed to it.
Question No. 627 answered with Question No. 626.
Disability Services
Questions (628)
Niamh Smyth
Question:628. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will urgently review the case of a person (details supplied); if the referral to disability services will be expedited; the other supports that may be available in the circumstances; if she will address the concerns raised in the correspondence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51826/26]
View answerWritten answers
As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
Departmental Funding
Questions (629)
Sorca Clarke
Question:629. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the estimated cost in 2027 if an extra 475,000 extra personal assistant hours were provided. [50790/26]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE provides a range of assisted living services including personal assistance (PA) services to support individuals to maximise their capacity to live full and independent lives.
Budget 2026 saw a substantial investment of €15m to increase the rate for service delivery for both personal assistance and home support, helping ensure providers can build and sustain the workforce needed to support people with disabilities every day and fulfilling a key Programme for Government commitment to align the disability rates with the rate paid for similar support services in other sectors.
As of 1 January 2026, the increased rate for personal assistance service delivery is €32.73 per hour. Calculated on the basis of this rate, the estimated full-year cost of providing 475,000 additional hours of personal assistance is €15,546,750.
Home Help Service
Questions (630)
Sorca Clarke
Question:630. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the estimated cost in 2027 if an extra 200,000 extra home support hours were provided. [50791/26]
View answerWritten answers
Home support services are provided to both children and adults with a wide range of disabilities from physical and sensory disabilities to intellectual disabilities and autism. The home support service assists the person with everyday tasks to enable them to live at home and with family.
Budget 2026 saw a substantial investment of €15m to increase the rate for service delivery for both home support and personal assistance, helping ensure providers can build and sustain the workforce needed to support people with disabilities every day and fulfilling a key Programme for Government commitment to align the disability rates with the rate paid for similar support services in other sectors.
As of 1 January 2026, the increased rate for home support service delivery is €32.73 per hour. Calculated on the basis of this rate, the estimated full-year cost of providing 200,000 additional home support hours is €6,546,000.
Departmental Policies
Questions (631)
Shane Moynihan
Question:631. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the main policy achievements of her Department since 22 January 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50795/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Department is currently collating the information requested and a reply will issue directly to the Deputy on this matter as soon as possible.
Family Support Services
Questions (632, 633, 634, 635)
Carol Nolan
Question:632. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her plans to establish a multi-annual parenting support investment fund, as recommended in the Triple P 2027 Budget Submission, in order to provide universal access to evidence-based parenting supports; if she accepts the evidence that parenting support programmes are proven to be highly effective with prevention and early intervention measures, supported by more than 870 trials including over 200 randomised controlled trials; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50889/26]
View answerCarol Nolan
Question:633. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will commit to providing €3 million per annum over four years to support universal access to online parenting programmes, including the triple p online system, as a means of reducing pressure on CAMHS and other child mental health services; to address the finding that the majority of respondents felt that their child’s mental health declined during the referral process and waiting list to CAMHS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50890/26]
View answerCarol Nolan
Question:634. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her plans to fund and implement a national communications campaign to promote awareness of evidence-based parenting supports and to destigmatise participation, noting the submission’s statement that such campaigns help the Government and relevant agencies to reach and support as many families as possible and improve outcomes across the population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50891/26]
View answerCarol Nolan
Question:635. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the steps her Department is taking to address the current geographic limitations in access to evidence-based parenting programmes, given the submission from triple p finding that parenting services are currently insufficiently resourced and access to evidence-based interventions is geographically limited; if she will consider a national digital rollout to ensure equitable access for all families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50892/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 632, 633, 634 and 635 together.
I am committed to strengthening parenting supports as a key prevention and early intervention measure.
Supporting Parents: A National Model of Parenting Support Services (2022-2027) provides the framework. It was developed by a collaborative working group led by the Department, with input from Tusla, the HSE and representatives of the Community and Voluntary sector including; the Prevention and Early Intervention Network (PEIN), the Parenting Network, and Parenting Monaghan.
Implementation of Supporting Parents is overseen by:
• A Steering Group that meets quarterly and includes Tusla's National Lead for Parenting Support, Tusla's National Manager for the ABC Programme, and the HSE Programme Manager for the National Healthy Childhood Programme.
• An Implementation Advisory Group that meets biannually, with members from relevant Government Departments, State agencies such as Tusla and the HSE and community and voluntary organisations such as Prevention and Early Intervention Network (PEIN), the Parenting Network (chaired by Matt Buttery of Triple P), and the National Parents Council.
Implementation of Supporting Parents focuses on four goals:
• awareness
• access
• inclusivity
• evidence-informed services.
As part of the work programme being pursued under Supporting Parents, work is underway on:
• Awareness and destigmatisation: A national communications campaign has been running for three years. The Department also conducts nationally representative parent surveys (2020, 2024, 2026) to ensure services meet parental needs. Survey results have demonstrated year-on-year improvements across a range of metrics.
• Geographic Access: A national mapping exercise is underway with Tusla and the HSE to identify service gaps and duplication. A searchable geo-spatial map for parents and practitioners will follow from this work.
Work has also commenced on a national Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) Policy. The National University of Ireland Galway has been commissioned, under the Young Ireland: National Policy Framework for Children and Young People 2023–2028 Knowledge Creation and Synthesis Fund, to conduct a literature review (due late 2026) of international prevention and early intervention (PEI) policies for children and families that are associated with improved outcomes to inform this. A HSE feasibility study on digital parenting interventions, expected in Q3 2026 will also inform potential future initiatives.
Regarding the Deputy’s specific proposals relating to funding, all such matters are considered as part of the ongoing work detailed above, the annual Estimates process and, in time, will be informed by the national prevention and early intervention policy once developed.
Finally, regarding CAMHS, this is an HSE service and the Deputy may wish to direct related queries to the Minister for Health.