Written Answers Nos. 861-880
861. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the size and location of Coillte-owned lands in Kildare South; the plans to provide public walks in these locations; the access provided for the public at this time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2493/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, Coillte is a private limited company established under the Forestry Act 1988 and, as such, its day-to-day operations are entirely a matter for the company.
I have accordingly asked Coillte to respond directly to the Deputy on the matters raised.
862. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers in Kerry waiting for GLAS and ACRES payments. [2515/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are 32 herdowners in Kerry currently awaiting GLAS payments and 1,085 Kerry herdowners awaiting ACRES payments.
An ACRES payment run issued last week and a GLAS payment run is scheduled to issue this week. Further payment runs for both schemes will continue to issue as cases pass all required validation checks.
I can assure you that everything is being done to pay, as soon as possible, all ACRES and GLAS participants who clear pre-payment checks.
863. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of the ongoing abuse of horses throughout the country with some horses left malnourished, abandoned, and suffering in urban and rural areas alike; the action he will commit to in order to prevent further cruelty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2551/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe welfare of equines is protected by legislation and appropriate enforcement action is undertaken by my Department and authorised officers under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, including An Garda Síochána, Customs agents, authorised officers appointed by local authorities, the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA), where breaches or shortcomings are identified. Any reports of welfare issues received by my Department, including breaches of the animal welfare legislation, are acted upon and investigated.
I am fully committed to supporting sustainable initiatives in line with the Programme for Government and Working Together for Animal Welfare, Ireland's Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025. As part of this commitment, I continue to support urban horse projects nationwide, which can foster community leadership and education in responsible horse ownership for young people. There are currently eight live projects and in October 2023, my Department hosted a seminar dedicated to the promotion of the urban horse projects.
Last year €6 million in funding went to 101 animal welfare charities throughout the country, under the Animal Welfare Grant Programme. Of that figure, just over €3.4 million was awarded to charities involved in the care and welfare of horses.
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 e-mail 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
864. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to assist the local community with extension works to both the pontoon and slip at Portmagee Pier, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2569/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, Portmagee Pier is owned by Kerry County Council and, as such, responsibility for its development and maintenance rests with that local authority in the first instance, and with its parent department, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, thereafter.
That said, my Department has provided funding of over €4.4 million to Kerry County Council since 2011 to assist in the development and repair of piers, harbours and slipways in their ownership, with over €2 million provided between 2011-2021 through the annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. More recently, the Council received €2.4 million under the Brexit Adjustment Local Authority Marine Infrastructure (BALAMI) Scheme.
The ongoing maintenance of piers and harbours is primarily a matter for the local authority concerned. However, under any future programme, should an application for funding be made by Kerry County Council in relation to extension works at Portmagee Pier, it will be given due consideration, taking into account the terms and conditions of Department schemes, available Exchequer funding, and overall national priorities.
865. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the delay in payments under the acres scheme; the number of farmers impacted, by county; when the issue will be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2691/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following tables present the number of participants awaiting their ACRES 2023 balancing payments or their 2024 advance payments. All herds recorded as awaiting a payment for their 2023 balancing payment have been included in the table awaiting an advance payment for 2024.
It is also worth noting that almost all of those awaiting 2023 Scheme Year balancing payments have already received interim payments of either €4,000 or €5,000 in respect of their participation in the Scheme in 2023. A total of €119 million in such interim payments was paid to farmers in February and March of 2024.
Awaiting 2023 Scheme Year Balancing Payments
|
County |
Co-operation |
General |
Total |
|
Carlow |
8 |
15 |
23 |
|
Cavan |
17 |
52 |
69 |
|
Clare |
74 |
74 |
148 |
|
Cork |
130 |
145 |
275 |
|
Donegal |
245 |
107 |
352 |
|
Dublin |
2 |
4 |
6 |
|
Galway |
158 |
142 |
300 |
|
Kerry |
202 |
49 |
251 |
|
Kildare |
10 |
11 |
21 |
|
Kilkenny |
1 |
38 |
39 |
|
Laois |
5 |
16 |
21 |
|
Leitrim |
60 |
22 |
82 |
|
Limerick |
31 |
37 |
68 |
|
Longford |
58 |
58 |
|
|
Louth |
5 |
9 |
14 |
|
Mayo |
344 |
122 |
466 |
|
Meath |
22 |
22 |
|
|
Monaghan |
12 |
21 |
33 |
|
Offaly |
4 |
18 |
22 |
|
Roscommon |
16 |
101 |
117 |
|
Sligo |
53 |
38 |
91 |
|
Tipperary |
27 |
62 |
89 |
|
Waterford |
8 |
27 |
35 |
|
Westmeath |
1 |
39 |
40 |
|
Wexford |
7 |
57 |
64 |
|
Wicklow |
33 |
25 |
58 |
|
Total |
1453 |
1311 |
2764 |
Awaiting 2024 Scheme Year Payments
|
County |
Co-operation |
General |
Total |
|
Carlow |
46 |
180 |
226 |
|
Cavan |
72 |
203 |
275 |
|
Clare |
361 |
376 |
737 |
|
Cork |
458 |
770 |
1228 |
|
Donegal |
851 |
451 |
1302 |
|
Dublin |
15 |
17 |
32 |
|
Galway |
1091 |
739 |
1830 |
|
Kerry |
761 |
324 |
1085 |
|
Kildare |
17 |
153 |
170 |
|
Kilkenny |
1 |
233 |
234 |
|
Laois |
25 |
163 |
188 |
|
Leitrim |
202 |
83 |
285 |
|
Limerick |
93 |
226 |
319 |
|
Longford |
2 |
214 |
216 |
|
Louth |
21 |
55 |
76 |
|
Mayo |
1151 |
637 |
1788 |
|
Meath |
2 |
130 |
132 |
|
Monaghan |
21 |
111 |
132 |
|
Offaly |
13 |
160 |
173 |
|
Roscommon |
44 |
385 |
429 |
|
Sligo |
171 |
158 |
329 |
|
Tipperary |
103 |
381 |
484 |
|
Waterford |
44 |
127 |
171 |
|
Westmeath |
4 |
248 |
252 |
|
Wexford |
24 |
677 |
701 |
|
Wicklow |
92 |
165 |
257 |
|
Total |
5685 |
7366 |
13051 |
There are a number of possible reasons why payments have not yet issued, including:
• Changes of ownership/transfers of contracts due to a variety of circumstances;
• Queried or unsubmitted scorecards in respect of results-based payments;
• Outstanding queries on the relevant BISS applications; and
• Reconciliation of mapping-related discrepancies, for example between BISS and ACRES applications, and between scorecard and DAFM mapping data.
Cases are being resolved on a regular basis, as demonstrated by the payment run that issued last week. Further payment runs will be scheduled as cases pass the required payment validations. However, and as is the case with all schemes, there will be a cohort of participants who cannot be paid because of outstanding issues which, in many cases, will have to be resolved by participants themselves.
As is the case with all EU co-funded schemes, all ACRES applications must pass regulatory controls and validations before payment can issue.
I can assure you that everything is being done to pay, as soon as possible, all ACRES participants who clear pre-payment checks.
866. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on his Department's consultation on surgical artificial insemination in greyhounds; when he will publish the outcomes of that consultation; when a decision will be made as to whether this practice will be allowed to continue in light of ethical and welfare concerns raised by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2699/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) announced in April 2024 that it had updated its Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Practitioners to prohibit veterinarians from carrying out surgical artificial insemination in dogs due to ethical and welfare considerations. However, this new prohibition does not apply to greyhounds, as the practice is provided for in legislation under the Artificial Insemination of Greyhound Regulations 2005.
The report of the Working Group on Control of Dogs, which was approved by Cabinet in March 2023, and has been published online at www.gov.ie/en/publication/0d6d7-working-group-on-control-of-dogs/#report-of-the-working-group-on-the-control-of-dogs, includes a recommendation that surgical artificial insemination in canines ought to be prohibited, where the word canine encompasses all breeds of dogs, including greyhounds.
In 2024, my Department held a public consultation on whether the practice of carrying out surgical artificial insemination in greyhounds should be banned or not. This public consultation has now closed, and will contribute to the legislative process. The results of the public consultation will be published in due course.
My Department is closely examining this issue and will be providing advice on an appropriate course of action in the near future.
867. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will make emergency relief funding available to organic farmers and growers following damage to their polytunnels during Storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2712/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraStorm Éowyn has resulted in unprecedented damage to homes, farms and businesses across the country. I am aware of reports of significant levels of damage across the Irish horticulture sector.
My officials are engaging with Teagasc and other stakeholders to assess the extent and significance of the damage across the sector. It may be a number of weeks before the full extent of the damage is known.
My colleague, Minister of State for Forestry, Horticulture and Farm Safety, Michael Healy-Rae will meet with representatives of all the horticulture sub-sectors at a meeting of the Horticulture Industry Forum in early February. This meeting will give an opportunity to grower representatives to relay to Minister Healy-Rae the particular impacts of the storm on their sectors.
The National Emergency Coordination Group continues to coordinate the intensive work across the whole of government to restore power, water, telecommunications and other services to homes, farms and businesses.
868. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a scheme can be considered to allow private landowners maintain tree cutting on roadside property when it is beyond their means, to avoid extensive damage during extreme weather periods and other situations that could cause perilous conditions on roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2716/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra875. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures his Department intends to take in relation to the issue of ash die-back causing trees to fall on roads and power lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2919/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 868 and 875 together.
My Department recognises that wind events, such as the recent storms Darragh and Éowyn, can cause varying degrees of damage around the country, including damage to trees. Since the first finding of ash dieback disease in Ireland, my Department has provided financial support to owners of ash forests impacted by ash dieback disease, currently through the Reconstitution Ash Dieback Scheme 2023-2027 and the Climate Action Performance Payment Scheme. The Reconstitution Ash Dieback Scheme 2023-2027 offers a site clearance grant that assists with the removal of ash and a separate grant that funds the replanting of the forest.
My Department does not offer funding for the removal of roadside trees or trees outside of forests for ash or any other species, but has published guidance on the subject of roadside trees (“A Guide for Landowners to Managing Roadside Trees”). This publication provides information on how to identify trees that have ash dieback and outlines specific issues related to health and safety in tree work. It also gives practical guidance to those working with chainsaws taking out hazardous trees. My Department produced this publication in partnership with the Tree Council of Ireland and it can be found on my Department’s website.
Section 70 of the Roads Act 1993 sets out the responsibility of landowners to take all reasonable steps to ensure that trees, hedges and other vegetation growing on their land are not, or could not become, a danger to people using a public road or interfere with the safe use of a public road or the maintenance of a public road. This responsibility includes the preservation, felling, cutting, lopping, trimming or removal of any such tree, shrub, hedge or other vegetation' in question. The implementation of the legislation on the management or removal of dangerous roadside trees is the responsibility of the local authority, in its capacity as the relevant road authority.
In relation to damage to power lines, under Section 98 of the Electricity (Supply) Act 1927, as amended by Section 45 of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999, the ESB and its representatives, taking due care and attention to avoid unnecessary damage, are empowered to lop or cut any tree, shrub or hedge which obstructs or interferes with electrical wires or to do the same where the tree, shrub or hedge interferes with the erection or laying of any such electrical wires or with the survey of the proposed route of any transmission or distribution lines. Such works are a matter between the ESB and anyone acting on their behalf, and the landowner in question, and do not require a felling licence from my Department.
As a matter of law, the care and management of trees adjacent to roads is the responsibility of the landowner on whose land the roadside trees are growing. It is advisable that landowners make themselves aware of the full legal extent of their land ownership and of any obligations arising from this.
869. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will publish the Ministerial brief he received following the recent formation of the Government. [2753/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the briefing material I received on my appointment as Minister will be published on my Department's website.
871. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of contracts a company (details supplied) had with his Department in 2024 and to-date in 2025; the nature of services this company provided to his Department; and the amount his Department paid the company for such works, in tabular form. [2893/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn answer to the Deputy’s question, my department has held one contract with Aramark in 2024 and to date in 2025, details of which are set out in the following table.
|
Company Name |
Service Provided |
Contract Start Date |
Contract End Date |
Total Spend in 2024 |
Total Spend in 2025 |
|
Aramark |
Facilities Management |
24.03.2023 |
24.03.2025* |
€129,217.90 |
€10,069.24 |
* The contract provides for two one-year extensions, bringing the possible contract end date to 24.03.2027
872. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to examine the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2907/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides a range of financial supports that focus on compensating farmers for both direct and indirect losses incurred as a result of a TB breakdown on the farm.
The On Farm Market Valuation Scheme is the principal compensation measure available to Herd-owners whose herds are affected by a bovine TB breakdown in their herd. The Scheme aims to compensate farmers up to the open market value of an animal as if they were not affected by disease, subject to ceilings.
All animals valued by independent livestock valuers as part of the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme. In the case of female animals where the pregnancy status is uncertain the valuer is required to note an in-calf and not in-calf market value.
In slaughter plants, under my Department's supervision, veterinary staff carry out post mortem checks on all reactor cows and heifers and if applicable are given an “in-calf” value.
Where deemed appropriate by my Department, in consultation with the herdowner, animals not suitable for transport to the slaughter plant may be euthanised on the farm and removed directly to a knackery as happened with this animal. Post-mortem pregnancy checks are not carried out at a knackery. In such cases reactor animals will be paid at the not in-calf value. The difference between the in-calf price and the not in-calf price for this animal was €600.
In addition to the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme, my Department operates three supplementary compensation schemes that assist farmers with the indirect losses incurred as a result of a TB breakdown on their farm
The Income Supplement Scheme is a targeted scheme which assists farmers who lose 9.5% or more of their herd to disease due to a single TB breakdown. Income supplement is only payable in cases where the 9.5% threshold is met in one continuous restriction period and where full Depopulation is not deemed an appropriate measure.
The Hardship Grant is a targeted scheme aimed at assisting eligible herd-owners who retain and feed animals during prolonged periods of restriction as a result of a TB breakdown and that have more animals than the same period in the previous year. The scheme runs each year for herds restricted between November 1st and April 30th.
Depopulation Grant is paid for each animal removed in the depopulation measure and for those herds that are partial or fully depopulated on foot of a veterinary decision made on analysis of the overall TB disease situation within a herd.
873. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider banning the importation and planting of leylandii cypress trees given how susceptible these are to damage and falling during high winds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2909/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of the keystones of the European Union internal market is the principle of the free movement of goods. The legal basis for the free movement of goods are set out in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). Ireland as a member of the EU is bound by the TFEU and therefore would not unilaterally ban goods which are free to move in the EU.
The trade and movement of plants and plant products into and within the EU is permitted and governed by the EU Plant Health Regulation 2031 of 2016 and the Official Controls Regulation 625 of 2017. These Regulations harmonise the rules on several areas, including trade and movement of plants. This is important in order to ensure the same level of phytosanitary protection within the EU and a level playing field for all EU producers and traders. The Department cannot restrict or ban the importation or planting of leylandii trees or saplings which meet EU plant health rules.
Trees are living organisms and like all other living organisms they have a finite lifespan. Over time, trees may become physically damaged or be subject to a plant pest or disease. It is very important for land and property owners to actively look after trees on their property especially those along roadsides and to be able to recognise and take appropriate action where significant tree damage and possible risk to people or property are identified. The Roads Act 1993 requires owners or occupiers of land to take all reasonable steps to ensure that trees or other vegetation on their land are not a hazard to persons using a public road. Local authorities may issue notices to landowners requesting them to maintain or cut back trees or hedges
My Department, in partnership with the Tree Council of Ireland has published guidance on the subject of roadside trees (“A Guide for Landowners to Managing Roadside Trees”) and this can be accessed at the Department website and can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/tree-felling-and-management/
874. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the EU Council meeting in Brussels on Monday 27 January; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2917/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI attended the Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting in Brussels on 27 January 2025. I was pleased to have an early opportunity to meet with several of my fellow Ministers and also with the new EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, who visited Ireland recently.
The Council held discussions on strengthening the position of the farmer in the food supply chain, CAP simplification, and EU trade. There were also a number of “Any Other Business” items.
Following a presentation from the Commissioner on two legislative proposals that aim to further strengthen the position of farmers in the agri-food supply chain, I emphasised my support for the Commission’s initiatives in this regard.
As part of the exchange of views on the potential simplification of certain elements of the current CAP Strategic Plans, I called for the EU to concentrate on changes that will make the biggest impact for farmers and administrations in reducing administrative burdens.
In the discussion on agri-food trade issues, I highlighted the importance of trade for Irish and EU farmers and the wider food and drinks industry. However, I stressed that when negotiating trade agreements, the EU must protect our most vulnerable sectors. In that context, I raised Irish concerns regarding the EU-Mercosur Agreement and noted that it is difficult to justify any agreement to EU farmers if we are not satisfied that other farmers are subject to the same high standards requiring them to farm in a sustainable manner.
I will work closely with my counterparts in the run up to Ireland’s EU Presidency in the second half of 2026. I am committed to ensuring that Ireland has a strong and credible voice in EU decision-making on a range of important issues which will impact the agri-food and fisheries sectors.
876. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider implementing a scheme to provide financial assistance to support farmers in purchasing back-up electricity generators to assist them during future severe weather events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2948/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraBackup PTO generators are available for grant aid under the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3). Farmers may apply for these generators under the Dairy Equipment Scheme (DES), Organic Capital Investment Scheme (OCIS), Young Farmers Capital Investment Scheme (YFCIS) and Women Farmers Capital Investment Scheme (WFCIS).
While backup PTO generators are included as an investment item in the DES scheme, the investment is open to all farmers who declare the minimum eligibility requirement of five hectares under the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) Scheme in the year of application, or preceding year. There is no requirement to be milking cows to be eligible for backup PTO generators under the scheme.
These generators are fixed investments under TAMS because, for safety reasons, it is necessary for an electrician to wire the generators into the electrical system and verify that a change-over switch is installed. The change-over switch is of paramount importance as it prevents electricity provided by the generator from running through the incoming ESB power lines.
877. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the case of an appeal by a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2961/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) application for the herd owner referred to by the Deputy was submitted late, by the herd owner, on 8 November 2024.
A BISS Late Application Penalty Letter issued on 12 November 2024.
The herd owner has since submitted an appeal and supplied supporting documentation.
The appeal and supporting documentation is currently being considered and the finding of that appeal will be notified directly to the herd owner shortly.
878. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide a schedule of special advisers attached to him, as of 29 January 2025; and the official grade and or title held by that special adviser. [2991/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMinisterial advisers are appointed by the Government in accordance with the provisions of the Public Service Management Act 1997.
The current grade for Senior Ministerial Advisers, including Advisers to Ministers of State who attend Cabinet, is aligned to the Civil Service Principal Officer salary scale. The current grade for Advisers to Ministers of State is aligned to the Civil Service Assistant Principal Officer salary scale.
Details in relation to each incoming Special Adviser will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas in due course.
879. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department, or any body under its aegis, currently outsources cleaning services and/or service officer/security officer roles to private companies; the value and length of any related contract, by body, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3190/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the Deputy’s question please see details below of private companies contracted to provide cleaning services and security officer roles to offices in my Department.
|
Service Provided |
Value and Length of contract |
|
Cleaning Services (Dublin locations) |
€5,000,000 over 4 years |
|
Cleaning Services (Regional locations) |
€2,500,000 over 4 years |
|
Security Services (Regional locations) |
€364,919 over 4 years |
|
€40,000 over 2 years |
|
|
€43,275 over 1 year |
In addition to the above, my Department also holds contracts with Facilities Management Companies who provide cleaning and security services at two of my Department’s locations. The value of these contracts are €444,000 over 4 years and €200,000 over 4 years.
My Department also pays Facilities Management fees at another Department location, however, the contract for this Facilities Management Company is held by the Office of Public Works. The fees paid to the Facilities Management Company includes cleaning and security services, with a combined annual cost of approximately €118,000 per annum being paid for these services.
As regards the 13 State Bodies under the aegis of my Department, the information requested is an operational matter for the State Bodies themselves. I have referred the Deputy’s question to the Agencies and have requested that a response should issue within 10 days.
880. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department, or any body under its aegis, currently directly employs cleaners and/or service officers; if so, the number of staff employed in each role; the value and length of any related contract, by body, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3208/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn answer to the Deputy’s question, the total number of Services staff and Cleaners currently employed by my Department is 31, details of which are broken down in the following table. All services staff and cleaners are directly employed by my Department on permanent contracts.
|
Title |
Number |
|
Service Officer |
26 |
|
Service Attendant |
3 |
|
Cleaner |
2 |
