Written Answers Nos. 600-619
600. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the legal basis for the continued requirement for original hard-copy phytosanitary certificates for imported plant products entering Ireland; whether electronic phytosanitary certificates are accepted in other EU member states; and if his Department will examine the wider adoption of electronic certification systems to reduce delays for importers of perishable goods. [52980/26]
View answer606. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether Ireland participates in the International Plant Protection Convention's ePhyto system; the extent to which electronic phytosanitary certificates are currently utilised by his Department; and the plans that exist to expand their use to facilitate trade and reduce administrative burdens. [52986/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 600 and 606 together.
Ireland is a contracting party to the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and does participate where possible with the e-Phyto system. It is important at the outset to explain that the system works on the basis of a sending country and receiving country both having their own national e-Phyto system that generates certificates in compliance with the IPPC convention, and in a format that can be exchanged through the IPPC e-Phyto exchange hub.
For imports of plants and plant products into Ireland from third countries, Ireland use the EU traces system. The Traces system will accept e-Phyto certificates from those countries that are connected to the IPPC e-Phyto hub through an appropriate and acceptable national system.
Similarly for exports Ireland and DAFM has it own Export Certification system (ECS) and this system is connected to the IPPC e-Phyto hub; this allows Ireland to send e-Phyto's for exports of plants and plant products to those countries that are connected to the IPPC e-Phyto hub through an appropriate and acceptable national system.
In the absence of e-Phyto connectivity either through the absence of national e-Phyto system or the temporary absence of such a system countries are required to use hard copy originals which must accompany the consignment as set down in the IPPC standards as well as the EU Plant health law and Official Controls Regulation.
601. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the average processing time for inspections and clearance of fresh cut flower imports at Dublin Airport Border Control Post in each of the past five years; the number of consignments delayed beyond 24 hours during that period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52981/26]
View answerMy Department facilitates the timely movement of imports through Dublin Airport Border Control Post (BCP). Import controls are carried out in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/625 and implementing regulations, which require 24 hours’ notice of imports to be provided to the BCP.
Processing time for inspection and clearance of fresh-cut flower imports varies and depends on several external factors. Prior notification is required for the BCP to facilitate documentary checks and physical inspection.
While we acknowledge that providing 24-hour advance notice of arrival and submitting air shipment documentation is not always possible, the minimum legal requirement of 4 hours' prior notification must be provided for long-haul flights before arrival at the airport.
Considering the perishable nature of consignments, documentary checks are performed, where possible, within the notification period. However, the BCP still requires reasonable advance notice to facilitate the scheduling of consignments for inspection.
Delays in providing prior notification or providing complete and accurate documentation can result in delays in the release of consignments. Errors, omissions or missing documentation cause delays as a consignment cannot be scheduled for inspection until all documentation is received and has successfully passed the documentary check.
Additional delays may arise where responses to requests for further documentation are not provided promptly. ePhytocerts should be used, where applicable, to reduce delays. Delays in the presentation of consignments at the scheduled inspection time or in the collection of consignment post clearance, have been identified as reasons for delays.
Where issues arise regarding import consignment clearance, these are handled on a case-by-case basis with input from the BCP inspector, the operator responsible for the consignment, facility management and other agencies as required.
602. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of fresh cut flower consignments rejected, destroyed or refused entry at Dublin Airport due to documentation errors in each of the past five years; the most common reasons for rejection; his views on the measures being taken to reduce avoidable losses to importers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52982/26]
View answerMy Department carries out official controls on imports of fresh-cut flowers in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/625. Where the documentation is not compliant and does not pass the documentary check, the consignment is rejected. The number of fresh-cut flower consignments rejected, destroyed, or refused at Dublin Airport Border Control Post (BCP), due to documentation errors since 2021 is 4. The most common reason for rejection was the omission of additional declarations.
Where issues arise regarding documentation, these are handled on a case-by-case basis with input from inspectors, facility management and other agencies as required. In the majority of cases, these matters are successfully resolved through engagement between the BCP and the importer or RFC.
Measures that can be taken to reduce avoidable losses include the provision of prior notification of the arrival of a consignment to the BCP, timely provision of correct documentation including use of ePhyto where possible. Timely presentation and collection of consignments before and after inspection also reduce delays and therefore potential losses.
Prior notification assists the BCP to facilitate documentary checks and physical inspection. We acknowledge that 24-hour notice of arrival and sharing of air shipment documents are sometimes not possible, but the minimum legal requirement of 4 hours' notice should be provided before arrival at the airport in the case of long-haul flights. Considering the perishable nature of consignments, where possible the documentary checks are performed within the notice period.
My Department operates dedicated contact points and digital portals to facilitate the timely movement of legitimate imports through Dublin Airport and to support traders experiencing difficulties with sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) import requirements. My Department’s IT systems integrate directly with the revenue AIS system, with organisations working in co-operation to resolve any issues which may arise in relation to certain consignments.
For trade related matters on plants and plant products my Department has a central trade policy team and they can be contact as follows for imports, plantimports@agriculture.gov.ie, and for exports, plantexports@agriculture.gov.ie. In addition further details are available to the trade at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/publications/registration-and-procedures-for-import-plants-and-plant-products
and: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/publications/exporters-registration-and-procedures-for-export-of-plants-and-plant-products/
My Department has an operations team that can be contacted on BCP.DublinAirport@agriculture.gov.ie. Phone: +353(0)1-6157650
Details on Registration can be provided by brexitregistration@agriculture.gov.ie;
Specific queries on traces directed to Traces@agriculture.gov.ie.
603. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if guidance exists for inspectors dealing with consignments of perishable goods where a replacement phytosanitary certificate has been issued and is in transit, but the original document has not yet arrived; and if he will provide details of any discretionary arrangements available in such circumstances. [52983/26]
View answerRules regarding the import of consignments from third countries are set out in EU Plant Health and Official Controls legislation. Import controls are carried out by Inspectors who are trained and familiar with these requirements.
Operational issues are kept under ongoing review.
604. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of agricultural inspectors assigned to Dublin Airport Border Control Post on a daily basis; the number of days during the past three years on which staffing levels were reduced due to training events or other operational reasons;and the contingency measures that are put in place to prevent delays to importers during such periods. [52984/26]
View answerMy Department operates three Border Control Posts (BCP) for plants and plant products, with a total complement of fifteen Agricultural Inspectors carrying out import controls. One officer is assigned to Dublin Airport BCP on a full-time basis. Where that officer is unavailable to attend the airport BCP due to training, leave, or other operational requirements, appropriate contingency arrangements are implemented to ensure continuity of service. In such instances, inspection duties are undertaken by suitably authorised members of the wider team of Agricultural Inspectors, thereby ensuring that the BCP remains appropriately staffed and operational during business hours.
605. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of complaints received from importers, customs agents and freight handlers regarding delays in plant health inspections and clearance procedures at Dublin Airport in each of the past five years; the principal issues raised; and if he will provide details of the actions taken in response. [52985/26]
View answerMy Department operates dedicated contact points and digital portals to facilitate the timely movement of imports through border control posts (BCPs) and to support traders experiencing difficulties with sanitary and phytosanitary import requirements. Where issues arise regarding import consignment clearance, these are handled on a case-by-case basis with input from inspectors, facility management and other agencies as required. In the majority of cases, these matters are successfully resolved through engagement between the BCP and the importer or RFC. Official complaints are managed through my Department’s Quality Service Unit. Over the past five years, no official complaint has been received regarding plant health inspections.
607. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will issue under a scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53008/26]
View answerI can confirm that the person named is a participant in the Farming for Water (FFW) European Innovation Partnership (EIP) project and will be paid for measures undertaken once all the required checks have been completed. These checks are conducted in detail for each farmer payment.
The FFW EIP is delivered by an Operational Group led by LAWPRO (the Local Authorities Water Programme), which includes Teagasc, Dairy Industry Ireland and other stakeholders, including Bord Bia.
Approvals for applications, verification of measures taken, processing and approval of individual farmer payments for the FFW EIP are made by LAWPRO's administration staff and catchment scientists. Payment checks are conducted by my Department.
608. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the policy his Department has for the equestrian sector given the importance of the sector to the economy as well as its sport and leisure benefits; his or his Department's engagement with equestrian centre representatives to enhance the sector,; if he recognises that equestrian centres are the grass roots of the sport and are under pressure given that the number of equestrian centres has reduced from 250 to 180 over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53019/26]
View answerI am very supportive of the sport horse sector and acknowledge the important contribution it makes to the economy. In this context, I provide supports to the breeding and production side primarily through the contracting of services for National Breeding and Marketing which are currently delivered by Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) and the Irish Horse Board (IHB) respectively. These services are worth up to €5.2m annually.
My Department’s remit does not extend to equestrian centres and accordingly my Department does not have direct engagement with them or their representative body.
609. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department operates a dedicated point of contact for importers experiencing difficulties in obtaining sanitary or phytosanitary clearance for goods entering the State; and the supports available to traders where issues arise involving multiple State agencies. [53045/26]
View answer610. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures in place within his Department to facilitate the timely movement of legitimate imports through ports and airports; whether consideration has been given to establishing a dedicated trade facilitation service for importers encountering administrative difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53046/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 609 and 610 together.
My Department operates dedicated contact points and digital portals to facilitate the timely movement of legitimate imports through ports and airports in Ireland and to support traders experiencing difficulties with sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) import requirements.
Plant and Plant Products:
For trade related matters on plants and plant products my Department has a central trade policy team and they can be contact as follows for imports, plantimports@agriculture.gov.ie, and for exports, plantexports@agriculture.gov.ie. In addition further details are available to the trade at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/publications/registration-and-procedures-for-import-plants-and-plant-products
and: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/publications/exporters-registration-and-procedures-for-export-of-plants-and-plant-products
Animal and Animal Products:
For animals and animal products, my Department has a dedicated webpage Importing Animals and Animal Products from Countries Outside the EU (Third Countries) (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/publications/importing-animals-and-animal-products-from-countries-outside-the-eu-third-countries/), with information and guidance on how to import different categories of Products of animal origin and live animals from 3rd countries into Ireland. There is a dedicated team with an email address animalproductimports@agriculture.gov.ie that provides support and advice to the public, stakeholders and agents on how to import products from 3rd countries into Ireland.
Compliance and Digital systems:
My Department issues Trader Notices (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/collections/import-of-animals-and-animal-products/) to traders and RFC agents to communicate changes in legislation, amendments to import requirements, and any changes that may affect the importation of products into the State.
My Department provides a dedicated team to respond to TRACES (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/services/traces/) related queries. My Department’s [INIS portal] (www.myagfood-client.apps.services.agriculture.gov.ie/) also exists for agents importing goods, which provides a swift and direct correspondence service with my Department's BCP officers on queries relating to current imports. Brexit Registration brexitregistration@agriculture.gov.ie is the designated contact for any queries regarding registration on the portal.
Border Control Posts (BCPs):
Each BCP has dedicated email addresses and contact numbers to assist service users. Dublin Port BCP offers a 24-hour service and Rosslare Europort BCP offers extended hours to facilitate the timely movement of imports. Contact details for all BCPs including phone and email is found at: www.assets.gov.ie/static/documents/09fe3ad4/BCP_Designation_IRELAND_2025_v2_1.pdf
611. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the arrangements in place between his Department, the Revenue Commissioners and airport authorities to resolve issues affecting consignments awaiting sanitary and phytosanitary clearance; and if he is satisfied that current procedures minimise unnecessary delays for compliant traders. [53047/26]
View answerMy Department operates dedicated contact points and digital portals to facilitate the timely movement of legitimate imports through ports and airports in Ireland and to support traders experiencing difficulties with sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) import requirements. My Department's IT systems integrate directly with the Revenue AIS system, with both organisations and airport and port authorities cooperating to resolve any issues which may arise in relation to certain consignments.
For trade related matters on plants and plant products we have a central trade policy team and they can be contacted as follows for imports, plantimports@agriculture.gov.ie, and for exports, plantexports@agriculture.gov.ie. In addition further details are available to the trade at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/publications/registration-and-procedures-for-import-plants-and-plant-products/
and: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/publications/exporters-registration-and-procedures-for-export-of-plants-and-plant-products/
For matters relating to imports of live animals and products of animal origin from third countries into Ireland, my Department maintains a dedicated website Importing Animals and Animal Products from Countries Outside the EU (Third Countries) (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/publications/importing-animals-and-animal-products-from-countries-outside-the-eu-third-countries/), with information and guidance. Support and advice to the public, stakeholders and agents is also available by contacting animalproductimports@agriculture.gov.ie
My Department's Border Control Post operations team at Dublin Airport can be contacted at BCP.DublinAirport@agriculture.gov.ie. Phone: +353(0)1-6157650
In relation to Shannon Airport contact details are: BIPS.ShanAirport@agriculture.gov.ie; Phone: +353(0)61-500940
Details on Registration can be provided by brexitregistration@agriculture.gov.ie;
Specific queries on the TRACES system may be directed to Traces@agriculture.gov.ie.
612. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if procedures exist to address minor administrative or clerical errors in phytosanitary documentation where there is no identified biosecurity risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53048/26]
View answerMy Department is the National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) for Ireland responsible for implementing plant protection measures in accordance with the International Plant Protection Convention.
International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) are standards adopted by the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures, which is the governing body of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).
The International Standard for Phytosanitary Standard 12 (ISPM 12) sets down the principles and procedure for both the issuance and acceptance of phytosanitary certificates in international trade.
Under this standard NPPOs should not accept phytosanitary certificates that are determined to be invalid or fraudulent; examples of invalid phytosanitary certificates include incomplete or incorrect information, or conflicting and inconsistent information among others.
In the case of an invalid certificate resulting from a clerical administrative error, the NPPO may address this scenario, through a request for a replacement phytosanitary certificate. The subsequent release of a consignment is then dependant on the satisfactory completion of all necessary documentary, identity or physical checks.
613. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of complaints received from importers relating to delays in sanitary and phytosanitary clearance at airports and ports in each of the past three years; and the principal issues raised in those complaints. [53049/26]
View answerMy Department operates dedicated contact points and digital portals to facilitate the timely movement of imports through border control posts (BCPs) and to support traders experiencing difficulties with sanitary and phytosanitary import requirements. Where issues arise regarding import consignment clearance, these are handled on a case-by-case basis with input from inspectors, facility management and other agencies as required. In the majority of cases, these matters are successfully resolved through engagement between the BCP and the importer or RFC agent. Official complaints are managed through my Department’s Quality Service Unit. Over the past three years, one official complaint has been received, in 2025. The principal issue raised related to a delay in the release of a consignment. Following investigation, it was determined that a delay in the submission of the required documentation was a contributing factor to the delay.
614. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the average time taken to process sanitary and phytosanitary checks on imported plant products arriving through Dublin Airport during each of the past three years; and if service-level targets are in place. [53050/26]
View answerMy Department facilitates the timely movement of imports through Dublin Airport Border Control Post (BCP). Import controls are carried out in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/625 and implementing regulations, which require 24 hours’ notice of imports to be provided to the BCP; this is to ensure the efficient performance of controls at the BCP.
Processing time for sanitary and phytosanitary checks varies and depends on several external factors. Prior notification is required for the BCP to facilitate documentary checks and physical inspection.
While it is acknowledged that providing 24-hour advance notice of arrival and submitting air shipment documentation is not always possible, the minimum legal requirement of 4 hours' prior notification must be provided for long-haul flights before arrival at the airport.
Considering the perishable nature of consignments, documentary checks are performed, where possible, within the notification period. However, the BCP still requires reasonable advance notice to facilitate the scheduling of consignments for inspection.
Delays in providing prior notification or providing complete and accurate documentation can result in delays in the release of consignments. Errors, omissions or missing documentation cause delays as a consignment cannot be scheduled for inspection until all documentation is received and has successfully passed the documentary check.
Additional delays may arise where responses to requests for further documentation are not provided promptly. ePhytocerts should be used, where applicable, to reduce delays. Delays in the presentation of consignments at the scheduled inspection time or in the collection of consignment post clearance, have been identified as reasons for delays.
Where issues arise regarding import consignment clearance, these are handled on a case-by-case basis with input from the BCP inspector, the operator responsible for the consignment, facility management and other agencies as required.
615. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on measures to protect the native Irish honeybee. [53182/26]
View answerMy Department is very supportive of beekeepers and beekeeping associations in their efforts in the conservation of the native Irish honey bee. The Annual Grants to Irish National Beekeepers Federations, which is Exchequer funded, provides funding to the four Irish National Beekeepers Federations. In 2025, the four national beekeeping federations received a total of €25,500 through this measure for initiatives including the conservation of the native Irish honey bee.
My Department also supports Irish beekeeping under the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Horticulture sector through the provision of grant aid for capital investments by individual beekeepers in specialised beekeeping related equipment and structures, including specialised bee breeding equipment.
In supporting research initiatives, €121,000 was paid out under the National Apiculture Programme in 2025 to support beekeeping through an approved applied research project being conducted by UCD- called PROBEE.
My Department also provides funding under the Conservation of Plant and Animal Genetic Resources Scheme. The Native Irish Honey Bee Society received funding in 2021 and 2024 under this scheme for projects related to the conservation of the native Irish honey bee and their application under the 2026 Scheme has also been approved.
616. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the results of the independent experts' analysis of the research provided to his Department in December 2024 in relation to the native Irish honeybee assessment, as recommended by the Attorney General; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53263/26]
View answerThe Protection of the Native Irish Honey Bee Bill 2021, a Private Members Bill, which seeks to ban the importation of non-native honey bees is currently before Dáil Éireann, Second Stage.
Following legal advice in relation to the Protection of the Native Irish Honey Bee Bill 2021, my Department procured independent scientific evidence and in October 2023, a contract was signed with the National University of Ireland, Galway for the provision of research services on the native Irish honey bee (Apis mellifera mellifera).
The research work concluded in December 2024, and the research report was subsequently evaluated by an external expert. Following the completion of the evaluation, the research service provider was afforded the opportunity to respond to the evaluator’s comments and these comments were received in September 2025. My Department is currently finalising the overall response to the report.
617. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the progress on PeatFor; if this research project has any initial findings to detail; if there will be any interim report available; the estimated completion date for the research, given the significant cost of €2.8 million in funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53296/26]
View answerThe PeatFor (Management of peatland forests for climate and biodiversity) project is a five-year collaborative research project funded under my Department's 2023 Thematic Research Call.
The project received funding of €2.73 million following an open competitive call and rigorous international peer review.
It is led by the University of Limerick in partnership with University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Teagasc and Coillte.
Approximately 38% of Ireland's forests are located on peat soils. The project aims to improve scientific understanding of carbon and greenhouse gas dynamics in peatland forests and strengthen the evidence base supporting sustainable forest management, national greenhouse gas reporting and future policy development.
The project is progressing in accordance with its approved work programme. Research sites have been identified, literature reviews are underway and research methodologies are being established. As the project remains at a relatively early stage, it would be premature to report research findings. The research involves long-term field measurements and analysis, requiring sufficient data to be collected before statistically robust conclusions can be drawn.
Scientific findings will be disseminated by the research consortium through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and other knowledge transfer activities as analyses are completed and results become available.
The project is subject to my Department's normal monitoring and governance arrangements, including regular progress reporting against agreed milestones and deliverables. These reports support project management and are not intended as public scientific reports.
The project commenced in December 2024 and is expected to conclude in November 2029. In accordance with the funding agreement, the research consortium will submit a final report to my Department on completion of the project which will be published.
618. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the role the Food Safety Authority of Ireland plays in advising his Department before compliance notices, prohibition notices, product seizures or flock destruction are undertaken in cases involving suspected salmonella infection; whether his Department ensures the FSAI independently verifies the scientific evidence relied upon before such enforcement action proceeds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53366/26]
View answerThe Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) is the central competent authority for food safety in Ireland. My Department operate under service contract to the FSAI in the provision of food safety official controls.
All detections of notifiable Salmonella species on poultry farms are notified to the FSAI in compliance with my Department’s service contract obligations. As the central competent authority, the FSAI act in an advisory and guidance capacity.
The EU regulations on Salmonella (Regulation (EC) No 2160/2003) are very clear regarding actions to be taken on farm when Salmonella species are detected; these specified actions depend on the flock type concerned e.g. broiler or broiler breeder so the decisions taken are legislatively based rather than specifically dependent on FSAI scientific evidence. My Department may also act pre-emptively to protect animal health; Section 42(1)(b) of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 (the 2013 Act) provides that an authorised officer may serve an Animal Health and Welfare notice where they are of the opinion that an animal, animal product or animal feed, land or premises is, or may be, affected with disease or a disease agent. Additionally, Regulation 16(1)(b) of the European Union (Food and Feed Hygiene) Regulations 2020 provides that an authorised officer may serve a notice where they are of the opinion that it is necessary for the protection of human health, animal health or welfare or the environment including the prevention, control or eradication of a disease or contamination of food or feed.
When Salmonella species are isolated following testing of poultry farm samples in a laboratory approved by my Department, the process is as follows: the isolates must then be sent to my Department’s National Reference Laboratory for Salmonella for isolate confirmation and serotyping. If Salmonella isolation results are confirmed in the National Reference Laboratory, my Department acts decisively to protect both animal health and public health in accordance with the EU Salmonella regulations and the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 referenced above.
619. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a guarantee that no potential reduction in tillage environmental payment will occur (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53403/26]
View answerThis Government recognises the importance of the tillage sector, the challenges it currently faces, and the need to support its sustainable development. Reflecting this importance, my Department has provided significant direct supports to tillage farmers in recent years.
My Department is providing €50 million in support to the tillage sector in 2026 through the Protein Aid Scheme, the Straw Incorporation Measure and the National Tillage Sustainability Support Scheme.
This includes €30 million in new funding secured in Budget 2026 for the National Tillage Sustainability Support Scheme, with payments under the Scheme issued in March.
More recently, in response to the exceptional pressure arising from the sudden increase in the cost of Marked Gas Oil (MGO), the Government allocated €100 million to provide meaningful income support for farmers, contractors and fishers.
The Farming for Water EIP has a budget of €60 million to support targeted on-farm additional measures to improve water quality, including establishment of cover crops. The tillage sector is also being supported under other schemes, including the Tillage Capital Investment Scheme, ACRES and the Organic Farming Scheme.
I will continue to work with the tillage sector and provide targeted support in line with budgetary allocations given the importance of the sector within the wider agricultural industry.
