Thursday, 9 Jul 2026

Written Answers Nos. 55-74

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Animal Diseases

Questions (55, 72)

Edward Timmins

Question:

55. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in view of the Comptroller and Auditor General’s 2025 review of the bovine TB eradication programme, which identified wildlife as a source of infection and noted evidence implicating wild deer in Wicklow, his views that there is a material implementation gap in the 2025 Bovine TB Action Plan in respect of deer in County Wicklow, given that badgers are subject to defined test, vaccinate or remove measures while deer are not subject to the same criteria (details supplied); if he will publish a Wicklow-specific deer/TB intervention plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52301/26]

Edward Timmins

Question:

72. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm that in view of the published evidence linking the growing Sika deer population in County Wicklow, with the persistence of bovine tuberculosis in County Wicklow and the well-established link between deer, badgers and cattle in TB epidemiology in County Wicklow he will establish and appropriately resource a dedicated Wicklow Deer and TB Action Group with responsibility for coordinating all relevant State agencies, producing a county-specific management plan, setting measurable deer population and disease reduction targets, and reporting publicly on progress (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52302/26]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 72 together.

My Department, along with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage established the Irish Deer Management Strategy group (IDMSG) 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.

The report listed 16 Actions, 8 of which are recommended in the short term and 8 of which are recommended in the medium term. These recommended actions address a wide range of issues from hunter training and forest design to land use management and the venison market. The report concluded that a formal structure was required to manage deer in Ireland, which involved the appointment of a Programme Manager to implement the recommendations of the report and the establishment of local deer management units in known hotspot areas.

My Department is committed to progressing the implementation of the actions identified by the Irish Deer Management Strategy Group in this report. The Programme Manager, who has been appointed, will work closely with the IDMSG, DAFM and the National Parks and Wildlife Service in prioritising and implementation of the short term recommendations identified in the report.

The locations of the deer management units (DMUs) have been finalised. The locations of the DMUs is in response to what might be referred to as deer hotspots. These DMUs aim to give the best geographic coverage in order to reduce the density of deer in these areas.

The Programme Manager, through the local deer management units, will be liaising with licensed hunters and landowners in relation to the management of deer populations within the deer management units. Deer continue to be culled by appropriate licensed hunters within the hunting season and with the use of Section 42 licenses issued by the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) outside the hunting season.

Given the increase in deer numbers in all breeds there is a need to address this and so the management of Sika deer will be incorporated into the wider deer management measures. The strategy group are also aware of the high numbers of deer in Co Wicklow and the evidence of the presence of bTB in deer in the county and there will be a focus on Co Wicklow in their work.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has specific responsibilities regarding the management and control of wild deer in Ireland.

Agriculture Supports

Questions (56)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

56. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline his action plan to support generational renewal and farm succession, and reduce the age profile of Irish farmers; the efforts being made to address difficulties in transferring farms, high land prices, and the financial barriers for young farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52037/26]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Farm 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.

Question No. 57 answered with Question No. 50.

Agriculture Supports

Questions (58)

Louis O'Hara

Question:

58. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on the processing of applications under the fuel income support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50991/26]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My 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.

In total €100 million funding has been made available to support these agri-food and marine sectors.

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.

Agriculture Supports

Questions (59, 82)

Brendan Smith

Question:

59. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of his most recent discussions at the Agriculture Council and with members of the commission in relation to the need to ensure that adequate funding is provided for CAP post-2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52188/26]

Brian Stanley

Question:

82. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he and his senior officials are engaging with counterparts from other EU States, that have a large agri-food sector, to have a common approach to protecting and enhancing the agricultural budget in the forthcoming CAP negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52039/26]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 82 together.

The overall budget for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2027 will form part of the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which is negotiated at EU level by Finance Ministers and, ultimately, agreed by Heads of State and Government. In Ireland, the Department of Finance and the Department of Foreign Affairs lead on these negotiations, in close consultation with my Department and the Department of the Taoiseach.

I have previously expressed my concerns at AgriFish Council of Ministers about the proposed reduction in the CAP budget compared to the 2021-2027 period, and emphasised that the future CAP must be adequately funded in order to support viable farm incomes, food security, generational renewal, environmental sustainability and vibrant rural communities.

With Ireland now in the Presidency Chair, we will be working as an honest broker to advance the negotiations on the future budget to the maximum possible extent over the coming months, taking into account the views of all Member States as we work to build consensus on a range of issues, including CAP funding.

Over this period I will continue to work closely with my Government colleagues, and to engage constructively with Member State counterparts and the European Commission, to ensure that the CAP budget ultimately agreed reflects the strategic importance of agriculture, and the sector's contribution to Europe’s food security and long-term resilience.

Research Funding

Questions (60)

Seán Kyne

Question:

60. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether he has engaged with Teagasc on the provision/acquisition of a hill sheep research farm in the West; his views on the benefits of such research to farmers and stakeholders in terms of biodiversity and carbon storage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51124/26]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I am aware of Teagasc’s interest in establishing a dedicated upland hill research farm to increase its research capacity in upland livestock systems, including sheep and cattle.

I am supportive of this initiative to help address the economic, environmental and societal challenges facing uplands areas. These areas support approximately 16,000 hill farming households. Most are involved in hill sheep production (producing one-third of Ireland’s breeding ewes), with some in suckler cattle systems.

A dedicated uplands research farm would also support national and EU policy objectives on climate action, biodiversity, water protection, while strengthening Knowledge Transfer, training and demonstration activities for farmers, advisors and students.

This initiative would also complement Teagasc’s current research and knowledge transfer activities to improve the economic sustainability and environmental footprint of the Irish sheep sector.

I am committed to continue supporting sheep farmers with targeted supports to promote a resilient and sustainable sheep sector. In Budget 2026, I secured an allocation of €42m to the sheep sector to continue existing dedicated supports, including €20m for the multi-annual Sheep Improvement Scheme and €22m for the annual National Sheep Welfare Scheme.

In addition, there are many other multi-annual schemes available under the current CAP Strategic Plan, such as basic income payments as well as agri-environment and organic farming schemes, which are particularly significant for sheep farmer incomes.

Departmental Funding

Questions (61)

Cathy Bennett

Question:

61. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the TB incidence rate in 2019 and 2025; the amount spent by the State in support of its eradication; and the related new obligations which have been introduced since 2019. [52299/26]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I am aware of the ongoing emotional and financial challenge for Irish farmers of a Bovine TB (bTB) breakdown. In recent years there has been a significant increase in bTB levels nationally. The reasons underpinning current high levels of bTB incidence are the expansion of the dairy herd resulting in increased levels of intensive cattle farming and the increased movement of cattle. These conditions allow heightened susceptibility to disease, whether that is bTB or any other infectious disease. At the end of 2019 bTB herd incidence was 3.72% compared with 5.72% in 2025. Table 1 below shows the bTB Incidence rates for each year from 2019 to 2025.

There has been encouraging progress in recent months in reducing bTB levels. As of 28th June 2026, over a 12-month period the herd incidence was 5.32% down from 6.40%. 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.

Due to the increased cost of the bTB programme in recent years, 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. The cost of the TB Eradication Programme for years 2019 to 2025 can be found in table 2 below.

Since 2019 a number of new policies were introduced as follows

• Aligning changes with EU Animal Law bTB regulations introduced that cows of all ages and males over the age of 36 months required additional testing.

• The use of Gamma Interferon Test (GIF test), which is a blood test to detect bovine TB (bTB) infection. The level of bTB infection in the herd determines whether the GIF test will be used. It is used in herds where bTB is present and has spread within the group of cattle tested.

• GIF testing has also been extended to reduce the risk from inconclusive animals.

In addition to these measures the Financial Working Group agreed on a number of enhancements to the suite of compensation measures available to farmers who experience a TB breakdown in 2023.

With the recent increased levels of disease, I launched the ‘Bovine TB Action Plan: Addressing Bovine TB in Ireland’ in September 2025. The aim of the Action Plan is to reset the TB programme by putting in place measures necessary to tackle the current disease situation.

As part of the implementation of the Action Plan, on 13 April 2026 there were a number of changes introduced to animal testing and animal movement requirements to the bTB programme to reduce the transmission of bTB from cattle to cattle including:

• The removal of the post-movement test option for all cows and for males over 36 months of age.

• All dairy cows moving into a breeding herd now require a 30-day pre-movement test

• 30-day pre-movement testing for contract reared heifers.

• The introduction of mandatory GIF testing in large breakdowns of breeding herds (this now applies to herds in a bTB restriction on or after 13 April 2026)

• Restriction on sale of exposed cohorts where GIF tests are carried out in larger breeding herds for a period of two years after the removal of the last reactor (this now applies to herds in a bTB restriction on or after 13 April 2026)

I believe that, working collaboratively with stakeholders, we can further bring down the incidence of Bovine TB.

Table 1: Bovine TB Herd Incidence rate for years 2019 to 2025:

-	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025
TB Incidence Rate	3.72%	4.38%	4.33%	4.31%	4.94%	6.04%	5.72%

Table 2: Cost of TB Eradication Programme for years 2019 to 2025:

Expenditure ('000)

-	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025
Total	€37,544	€43,939	€52,489	€57,448	€74,284	€100,616	€121,987

Animal Welfare

Questions (62, 66)

Michael Murphy

Question:

62. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that the enforcement powers available under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 are sufficient to protect horses being used on public roads; whether his Department has conducted any review of horse welfare risks associated with horse-drawn vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43413/26]

Michael Murphy

Question:

66. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has engaged with the Minister for Transport and the Minister for Justice; Home Affairs and Migration regarding the operation of the Control of Horses Act 1996 as it relates to horses being used on public roads; his views on whether the current legislative framework provides adequate powers to safeguard animal welfare and public safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43414/26]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 66 together.

Animal 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.

My Department and authorised officers appointed under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, including An Garda Síochána, Customs agents, local authorities, and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA), undertake appropriate enforcement action, where breaches or shortcomings are identified. My Department keeps the Act under review in light of key developments in the areas of animal welfare, the law and having regard to the practical lessons learnt from operating the Act.

Since the introduction of the Act, approximately 1,000 staff within my Department have been designated as authorised officers, under the Act. A large number of these authorised officers are based in my Department’s network of Regional Veterinary Offices throughout the country, providing nationwide coverage.

The welfare of equines is protected by legislation and there is a commitment in the Programme for Government to build on existing inspectorate supports across the country, ensuring a consistent approach to dealing with horse welfare. It must be emphasised that primary responsibility for the health and welfare of equines lies with the owner or keeper.

The Control of Horses Act 1996 was introduced to provide for the control of horses and to make provision for the licencing of horses in urban and other areas where horses cause a danger or nuisance to people or property.

My Department provides funding to local authorities as a contribution towards the costs incurred by them in operation of the Control of Horses Act, 1996. Enforcement of the Act is a matter for the relevant local authority.

The use of all vehicles, including animal-drawn vehicles, on public roads, is governed by the relevant provisions of the Roads and Road Traffic Acts. Matters in connection with this legislation are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Transport. In addition, the drivers of all vehicles used on public roads, including horse-drawn carriages, are required to comply with road traffic legislation and to behave in a safe manner paying due care to other road users. The enforcement of such road traffic legislation is a matter for An Garda Síochána, who have responsibility in relation to prosecutions regarding breaches of this legislation. I have begun a process of engaging with my colleagues the Minister for Transport and the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration on examining the issue of regulation of horse-drawn vehicles on public roads.

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 - [e-mail].

All reports of alleged cruelty or neglect received by my Department are investigated and appropriate action is taken.

Budget 2027

Questions (63)

Joe Cooney

Question:

63. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline whether a farm income volatility taxation measure will be included in his Departments priorities for Budget 2027; to outline his engagements with the Minister for Finance and farm organisations on such a measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52214/26]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I am fully aware of the volatile nature of farm income. Agricultural output prices and input costs are sensitive to geopolitical and global economic factors, as well as more localised factors such as weather conditions. This can lead to significant variations in income from year to year. There are currently a number of measures, both through the €9.8 billion CAP Strategic Plan and nationally funded, designed to reduce risk and respond to market crises. One of the most effective tools in addressing volatility is the certainty provided by direct payments under CAP.

While taxation policy is primarily the responsibility of my colleague the Minister of Finance, I work closely with him on taxation issues relating to the agri-food sector. Ahead of last year's budget, both Departments engaged on this issue and the Department of Finance produced an analysis for the Tax Strategy Group, which has been published (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-finance/collections/budget-2026-tax-strategy-group-papers/). The analysis concluded that the introduction of an income volatility measure is not recommended on the grounds of cost, tax equity, tax administration, regulatory issues, and equality.

I have discussed this issue regularly with farm organisations and am open to further discussions with stakeholders regarding potential measures to manage income volatility.

EU Funding

Questions (64)

Peter Roche

Question:

64. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on programmes to highlight and promote female farmers and the vital role they play in the industry; to provide an update on EU funding drawdown for female farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51549/26]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I have prioritised increased participation and visibility of women in agriculture. Key measures include implementation of the Women in Agriculture Action Plan; 60% grant aid for women farmers under CAP investment schemes; women-only Knowledge Transfer Groups, mentorship and leadership initiatives; and ongoing work to address succession barriers that disproportionately affect women. Ireland is one of only two member states to have specific measures under the CAP Strategic Plan to improve gender equality.

Several initiatives have been delivered under the National Action Plan on Women in Agriculture to highlight and promote the vital role of women farmers including:

• An annual “Women in Agriculture Studies Gender Excellence Award” in association with UCD School of Agri-Food & Science. Sponsored by my Department, it recognises academic merit and commitment to gender inclusivity among female students.

• A review of scheme supports to ensure language, terms and conditions and eligibility criteria do not present any unintended barriers to women farmer participation. This has informed updates to the scheme design processes and documentation to ensure best practice.

• A review of the herd number application process. This led to updated guidance documents, application forms and new standard operating procedures being implemented, ensuring greater consistency and ease of use.

• A “Women in Agriculture” web page to act as a centralised point of information for, and promotion of, women involved in Irish agriculture.

• Publication of a booklet profiling and promoting women's sustainability practices in farming, food-production, forestry, marine and research.

• A range of leadership and networking events, and information Webinars.

The specific work of this Group is nearing completion, and an implementation report will be published later this year.

This year, the focus is on the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF) 2026. My Department held a photo competition, highlighting the importance of imagery depicting women in agriculture. The photos submitted are helping to build a public library of images to support communications and publications promoting women in agriculture.

A conference to launch the year in Ireland and to celebrate International Women's Day was held in March. I was delighted to announce Carina Roseingrave as our IYWF Ambassador. She is representing women farmers, raising awareness of available supports, and highlighting important issues through media interviews, in person events, panel discussions and social media activity.

Additional events will take place in the coming months. The central focus being women’s role in better farm safety, health and well-being. Other important topics such as education pathways, financial awareness and farm diversification will also be explored.

With regard to EU funding, the Women Farmers Capital Investment Scheme is part of TAMS 3. It provides eligible women farmers with a 60% grant rate (compared to the standard 40%) for on-farm building and equipment investments. There is an individual funding ceiling of €90,000 per holding, or €160,000 for joint farm partnerships. To date approximately €11.6 million in grant aid has issued to scheme applicants.

Food Safety

Questions (65)

Tony McCormack

Question:

65. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps being taken to reduce unnecessary administrative burdens and simplify regulatory compliance for farmers and agri-food businesses while maintaining Ireland's high environmental and food safety standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52235/26]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

There is a broad consensus across Member States that farmers and food businesses need rules that are clear, proportionate and capable of being implemented effectively on the ground. Simplification is not about lowering standards, rather it is about achieving our objectives in a smarter, more practical and more coherent way.

A recent example of progress in this area is the Food and Feed Simplification Omnibus X, which was published by the European Commission in December 2025. This proposal is part of the cross-cutting legislative simplification packages announced in the European Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food. The aim of the package is to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens while maintaining high standards for food and feed safety, for human and animal health, and for environmental protection.

In particular, the initiative proposes targeted simplification measures in several areas:

• Faster procedures to give bio-control products market access;

• More targeted and efficient renewal procedures for pesticides and biocides;

• More targeted and efficient renewal procedures for feed additive authorisations;

• Digital labelling options for feed additives;

• Stronger import rules for pesticide residues, to ensure a level playing field;

• Simplified accreditation rules for official laboratories;

• More pragmatic approach to border controls for plant products;

• Adapted bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) surveillance and risk mitigation requirements.

Ireland will advance the simplification agenda as one of its priorities during our Presidency, with a focus on reducing unnecessary administrative burdens while maintaining high standards for food and feed safety, human and animal health, environmental protection and market surveillance.

Question No. 66 answered with Question No. 62.

Farm Safety

Questions (67)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

67. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the accelerated capital allowance for farm safety equipment, consanguinity relief (land transfers) and 100% stock relief for young farmers and registered farm partnerships will be extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52193/26]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Taxation policy is the responsibility of the Minister for Finance. However, we work closely to ensure taxation policy is consistent with Government priorities for the agri-food sector.

In advance of the Budget, I make an annual submission to the Minister for Finance on taxation issues, including renewals of any existing measures that may be expiring. It is a long-standing practice not to comment in advance on any tax matters that might be the subject of Budget decisions.

Departmental Funding

Questions (68)

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

68. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider providing more funding to farmers to allow an expansion of rewilding projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52313/26]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department provide a broad range of biodiversity support measures under Ireland's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan, together with other national and EU-funded initiatives.

My Department's approach is to support farmers in delivering biodiversity through practical, voluntary and appropriately incentivised measures that complement sustainable food production and vibrant rural communities.

Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan represents the largest investment ever made in environmental action through agricultural policy, supporting farmers to deliver meaningful biodiversity outcomes while continuing to farm sustainably.

As part of Conditionality, GAEC 8 requires a minimum area devoted to nature on farms, while the Eco-Scheme Space for Nature measure supports farmers to retain and create a minimum of either 7% or 10% space for nature on their land to qualify. In 2025, 85% of participating farmers selected the Space for Nature practice, with over 100,000 farmers being rewarded. My Department also supports some 100,000 farmers through the Areas of Natural Constraint scheme that includes land of high value in terms of nature and biodiversity.

In Budget 2026, I secured €280 million for ACRES, our flagship agri-environmental scheme, with almost 54,000 farmers currently participating. Through both the General and Co-operation approaches, farmers undertake targeted actions that improve and create habitats, establish hedgerows and native trees, restore peatlands and support priority species. More than one million hectares have now been scored for habitat condition under the scheme, demonstrating the scale of biodiversity action taking place across Irish farms.

Ireland has also demonstrated leadership through European Innovation Partnership (EIP) projects, which showcase the success of locally-led, farmer-centred approaches to biodiversity conservation. Earlier this year, I announced €17.8 million for eleven new EIP projects focused on environmental sustainability, regenerative agriculture, biodiversity enhancement and soil health. Outside the CAP Strategic Plan, my Department continues to support biodiversity through collaboration with other Government Departments on EU LIFE projects and is an active supporter of the All-Island Pollinator Plan protecting pollinators and their habitats.

Question No. 69 answered with Question No. 47.

European Union

Questions (70)

Matt Carthy

Question:

70. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his position on the deployment of the European Crisis Reserve. [52279/26]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The European Commission has proposed emergency financial support for farmers funded through the agricultural crisis reserve in relation to the affordability of fertiliser as a key farm input, with an indicative allocation of €15.3 million for Ireland.

I have noted this proposal in relation to the use of the EU agricultural reserve to help farmers deal with high fertiliser costs. The proposal will now proceed through the relevant legal processes at EU level.

In the meantime, my Department will consider fully the approach to be taken in the deployment of these funds.

Export Controls

Questions (71)

Barry Ward

Question:

71. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps his Department has taken in relation to engagement with Chinese authorities regarding access for Irish beef exports, following restrictions linked to bluetongue concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51541/26]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Trade is essential for Ireland’s export focused agri-food sector. One of the key themes of Food Vision 2030 is market development and my Department is focused not just on the development of new International markets, but also on enhancing and retaining access in existing markets.

The Government’s Action Plan on Market Diversification published last August, sets out several actions for the agri-food sector. This Action Plan aligns with the Food Vision 2030 strategy. This ongoing work is conducted in conjunction with Bord Bia and our Embassy network around the world and reflects the growing importance of new international markets for Ireland’s agri-food exports.

Earlier this year a Bluetongue case was identified in a bovine as part of the Department’s active surveillance programme. In respect of meat and dairy products, there are no implications for exports to the EU, UK and to most of our international markets.

However, in accordance with the provisions of the bilaterally agreed protocol for beef, my Department notified the Chinese authorities of this development and beef exports from Ireland to China were subsequently suspended on 27 January.

My Department and the Embassy in Beijing continue to engage with the Chinese authorities with a view to resolving the suspension in a timely manner. Ultimately, the timing of the decision to resume trade in this instance remains a matter for the Chinese authorities.

The resumption of Irish beef exports to China remains a priority for My Department.

Question No. 72 answered with Question No. 55.

Beef Sector

Questions (73)

Natasha Newsome Drennan

Question:

73. Deputy Natasha Newsome Drennan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there has been increased physical checks on Brazilian beef into Ireland following the EU Commissions plans to remove Brazilian beef from the EU safe food list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52217/26]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

In March 2025, the European Commission increased the frequency of physical checks at EU Border Control Posts on consignments of bovine minced meat, bovine meat preparations and fresh meat of bovines from Brazil until further notice. The minimum prescribed physical inspection rate is 30% for fresh bovine meat and 100% for bovine meat products and bovine meat preparations. Data for the previous twelve months shows Ireland is performing 100% physical checks on all consignments of Brazilian beef across all product types (fresh meat, meat preparations and meat products).

In May 2026, the European Commission confirmed that Brazil will no longer be authorised to export a range of animal products to the EU from September 3.

Agriculture Industry

Questions (74)

Peter 'Chap' Cleere

Question:

74. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has had discussions with his EU counterparts on the importance of supporting generational renewal in the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51672/26]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Generational renewal is one of the most important priorities for the future Common Agricultural Policy. Attracting young people into farming will be essential if we are to maintain a competitive, resilient and sustainable agricultural sector across the European Union.

I have discussed this issue regularly with my ministerial counterparts at meetings of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council, and in the context of the wider negotiations on the future CAP. There is broad recognition across Member States that generational renewal is one of the key challenges facing European agriculture and that the future CAP has an important role to play in supporting the next generation of farmers.

The Commission’s proposals reflect this increased focus. They provide for a range of measures to support young farmers, including establishment support, enhanced investment aid, higher income support and improved access to knowledge and advisory services.

Negotiations on these proposals remain ongoing and no final decisions have been taken. As Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Ireland’s role is to facilitate discussions and act as an honest broker in progressing negotiations among Member States.

Ireland believes that the future CAP should continue to provide a strong framework for supporting generational renewal while allowing Member States sufficient flexibility to design measures that reflect their own farming structures and national circumstances. We will continue to work constructively with Member States, the European Commission and the European Parliament to progress negotiations on a future CAP that supports young farmers and contributes to a vibrant and sustainable future for European agriculture.

• Written Answers Nos. 35-54
• Written Answers Nos. 75-99