Written Answers Nos. 75-99
75. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on his Department's support to young farmers or to promote farming as an industry to increase the number of young farmers in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51550/26]
View answerFarm succession is a key priority for the Government to ensure the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of Irish agriculture. A range of supports are in place to encourage timely succession, facilitate generational renewal and assist young farmers in establishing viable farm businesses.
Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 provides substantial resources to achieving generational renewal and measures include the Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers (CIS-YF); the National Reserve Scheme, which prioritises young farmers; and a higher grant rate of 60% for qualified young farmers under the TAMS capital investment measure. A Collaborative Farming Grant Scheme provides financial support to encourage farmers to form partnerships with young, trained farmers and the Succession Planning Advice Grant provides financial support towards the costs incurred for independent legal and financial advice for older farmers about succession planning.
Nationally, there are strong taxation measures to facilitate succession and assist land mobility. For succession, Agricultural Relief is the key measure, which along with 100% Stamp Duty Relief and Consanguinity Stamp Duty Relief, and Long-term leasing income tax relief support access to land for young farmers and provides a route to retirement for older farmers.
In addition, the Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme (GSLS) provides low-cost, long-term investment loans up to ten years, and is a viable source of finance for young farmers. Teagasc education and knowledge activities focus on equipping young farmers with necessary education, training and advice to build long and successful careers in farming. Teagasc also run annual “Transferring the Family Farm” clinics to guide farmers on succession.
The Report of the Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming estimated that total financial support to generational renewal in Ireland was some €428.6m in 2024. It was necessary however to consider whether existing supports are having the desired effect, and how supports might best be configured for the future. The Commission produced this analysis and made 31 recommendations across a wide range of areas. Some of the recommendations may be commenced in the short term, but some will be more medium term. For example the current CAP is fully programmed and recommendations relating to CAP supports will have to be considered in the context of the next CAP period after 2027.
The EU Vision for Agriculture and Food identified generational renewal as a priority, and this has been reflected in the proposals for a post 2027 Common Agricultural Policy. The European Commission has also presented its ‘Strategy for Generational Renewal in Agriculture'. The increased focus on generational renewal at EU level is welcome and the EU strategy comes to many of the same conclusions as our own Commission.
Women have an important role to play in farm succession and I believe that the Women in Agriculture initiatives taken by my Department, with strong support from stakeholders, are showing young women and girls that farming is an attractive career option.
Farm succession is a complex issue and there are many factors that impact farmers’ decisions. It is an issue I am actively engaging in as it is vital that we have skilled, innovative young farmers coming into the sector to secure a viable and sustainable future for Irish farming.
76. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action he is taking with the straw incorporation measure to ensure that all applicants will receive their full allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52232/26]
View answerThe 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
77. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current status of an investigation being undertaken by his Department (details supplied). [52273/26]
View answerDr Sean Brady was appointed as independent chairperson of this review in 2025, and he is engaging directly with the herdowner to progress this review.
As this review is independent of my Department, it is not possible for me to provide a timeframe for completion.
A decision on publication will be made, on receipt of the final report, in consultation with the herd owner and the independent reviewer.
78. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has undertaken, or plans to undertake, any assessment of the potential role of vertical farming and aquaponic food production systems in supporting sustainable agriculture and food security; whether grant supports or pilot programmes are under consideration, including for urban areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52293/26]
View answerThe National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027 sets down a clear vision to grow a more profitable, value-added sector, driven by innovation and sustainability and provides a road map for the sector to achieve this potential. The Strategy makes specific reference to vertical farming as an area where opportunities lie as an alternative growing system. Aquaponic food production presents another area where there is potential for growth.
My Department has provided support to growers who operate vertical farming systems through the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector. This Scheme is a support measure that assists in the development of the horticulture sector by grant aiding capital investments in specialised plant and equipment as well as technology adoption specific to commercial horticulture production. Capital investments in respect of aquaponic systems for the production of horticultural food are eligible for consideration under the scheme.
My Department also operates the Scheme for Innovation and Diversification in Horticulture (Capital Investments). This Scheme aims to increase innovation and diversification in horticulture by grant aiding capital investments in specialised plant and equipment. Capital investments in respect of vertical farming and aquaponic projects for horticultural purposes are eligible for consideration under the scheme.
In addition, the 2026 Scheme of Investment Aid for Innovation and Diversification in Horticulture (Feasibility/Desk Studies) is aimed at small and medium sized enterprises engaging in primary horticulture production that would like to innovate and diversify in the horticulture industry but need to carry out specific studies (feasibility/desk-based) before doing so. Proposals in respect of vertical farming and aquaponics projects for horticultural purposes are eligible for consideration under the scheme.
These schemes are open to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) active in the primary horticulture production sector and can be based in an urban or rural setting. While these schemes are currently closed for applications it is expected that they will reopen later in the year subject to budgetary allocation.
79. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider a ban on fox hunting with dogs in light of a Bill to ban hunting mammals with dogs passing second stage in the Northern Ireland Assembly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52310/26]
View answerAnimal welfare is a key priority for me as Minister and for the Government. My Department has lead policy responsibility within government for animal welfare and takes this matter most seriously.
I am committed to the policy that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner and remain committed to the continued robust enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, which provides a modern framework for regulating and applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare.
On the general matter of hunting, a detailed debate was held during the passage of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 and the Dáil decided to allow the continuation of fox hunting in accordance with an appropriate code of conduct. On 28th May 2025, a Private Members Bill to ban fox hunting was introduced. It proceeded to a second stage reading on 17th December 2025, where it was opposed.
Section 25 of the Animal Health & Welfare Act 2013 allows for the establishment of codes of practice and for the adoption of codes published by other persons for the purposes of providing practical guidance relating to any aspect of the Act, including fox hunting. Voluntary codes of practice have been established by the Hunting Association of Ireland which detail the conduct to be adhered to in respect of the hunting of foxes and the treatment of the animal during the hunt. The code also considers local concerns and the concerns of the landowner(s) on whose land hunting takes place.
I have no plans to change the existing legislation.
My Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation. The dedicated email address and helpline in place for reporting suspected cases of animal welfare are:
Helpline Phone No: 01 607 2379.
Email address - animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie
All report of alleged cruelty or neglect received by my Department are investigate and appropriate action is taken.
80. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the targeted supports or guidance being provided to farmers in catchment areas associated with repeated pesticide exceedances in drinking water supplies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52199/26]
View answerMy Department leads and coordinates a range of actions to help farmers protect drinking water supplies from potential impacts of pesticide use.
Efforts are coordinated by the National Pesticides and Drinking Water Action Group (NPDWAG), which is chaired by my Department and has representation from a wide range of key stakeholders including Government agencies, farming organisations, local authorities, industry representative bodies, water sector organisations and amenity sector organisations.
Actions are taken at a national level and also at a local level in priority catchment areas agreed by Uisce Éireann and the Environmental Protection Agency. There are currently five priority areas where repeated pesticide exceedances have occurred. Catchment Focus Groups involving local stakeholders have been established in these areas to coordinate a range of catchment-specific actions.
Examples of actions taken include awareness-raising measures, the development of technical advice and guidance, engagement with researchers, and regulatory and enforcement measures by my Department. Measures implemented under the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive are important as well. These include training of pesticide users, distributors and advisors, inspection and certification of pesticide application equipment, and safeguard zones to protect drinking water sources.
Farmers are playing a vital role and have made significant progress in reducing pesticide use to protect water quality and enhance biodiversity, based on an integrated pest management approach. These efforts have contributed to a significantly improved trend in drinking water quality since the NPDWAG was established in 2017.
In addition to the work of the NPDWAG, it should also be noted that my Department has funded the Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership project, which provides support for a number of measures to reduce losses of pesticides to water. This includes measures such as retrofitting sprayers with low-drift nozzles to reduce spray drift and mobile drip trays to prevent spills while filling sprayer tanks.
Sustained efforts are needed to maintain the good progress that has been made in protecting and enhancing drinking water quality. My Department will continue its intensive engagements with farmers and other stakeholders and will consider the need for further actions if necessary.
81. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether contingency measures are in place to ensure swift action for farmers in the event of a further escalation of the fuel crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52228/26]
View answerMy Department has introduced the Fuel Income Support Scheme as a targeted income support to assist farmers and agricultural/forestry contractors facing unprecedented increases in fuel costs.
Separate schemes have been put in place to support fishers and specialist horticultural growers.
As of the closing date of June 2nd, 32,417 farmer applications have been received while more than 3,000 paper-based applications were received from farm contractors.
While final processing is still on-going, it is anticipated that payments will commence issuing in the coming weeks.
As Minister I will remain vigilant to the fuel price issue and where necessary will provide supports to farmers along with my colleagues in Government.
In recent days Government has announced an extension of the temporary reductions to fuel excise and the National Oil Reserves Agency Levy (NORA).
These temporary reductions were due to expire on 31 July and will now be extended in full until 31 August with a phased restoration to pre reduction levels taking place between September and December.
83. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will publish the Dog Control Stakeholder Group Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52305/26]
View answerResponsibility for all policy and legislation in relation to the Control of Dogs Acts and Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 transferred to my Department from the Department for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht on 1st June 2025 and 1st August 2025 respectively. This fulfilled a Programme for Government commitment to bring a coherent approach to dog control issues by ensuring all legislation and policy in relation to the control of dogs, dog welfare and dog breeding establishments rests with my Department.
With the transfer of functions, I took over responsibility for the Dog Control Stakeholder Group, which had been established by the then Minister for Rural and Community Development in March 2024. Its remit was to consider policy and legislative matters in relation to the Dog Control and Dog Breeding Establishments Acts, including any need for legislative change. The stakeholder group was comprised of members with a broad range of expertise including academics, veterinary surgeons, local authorities, farming interests, charities working in the field and animal welfare experts.
I have recently received the report of the Dog Control Stakeholder Group, which I am considering, including any recommendations in relation to dog control legislation. I hope to publish the report shortly.
97. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health when the strategic review of general practice will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48211/26]
View answer
