Written Answers Nos. 189-208
189. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will engage with Horse Racing Ireland to explore the possibility of opening racecourse lands in Leopardstown for public use as a community amenity through a structured arrangement. [36437/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry. The Leopardstown Club Ltd is a 100% subsidiary company of HRI and operates a racecourse and golf centre on lands at Leopardstown.
Leopardstown is the only racecourse in Dublin city and county and plays a significant role in the county’s social and sporting scene. The racecourse is an integral part of the local community and enjoys a positive relationship with local residents and businesses.
190. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the requirements that must be fulfilled for a person to deal cattle below 100 in number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36262/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra191. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the requirements for a cattle dealers licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36263/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 190 and 191 together.
All persons owning livestock must apply for a herd number from my Department. The process for obtaining a herd number include an assessment of suitability against a number of criteria including biosecurity, suitability of the establishment in relation to the numbers and types of animals proposed to be held, handling facilities, isolation facilities and waste management. All herdowners must comply with the relevant rules and regulations regarding animal welfare, identification and disease control appropriate to their production model.
A dealer is classified as a natural or legal person who buys and sells animals commercially, either directly or indirectly, who has regular turnover of these animals and who within a maximum of 30 days of buying animals, resells them or relocates them, from the first premises to other premises, not within his or her ownership. “Regular turnover” means the buying and reselling within 30 days of more than 100 bovine or more than 100 swine animals in any 12 month period. A dealer must be registered with my Department by applying through their regional veterinary office.
A dealer premises must comply with the same conditions as those relating to a herd number and dealers must abide by the same rules and regulations regarding animal welfare, identification, disease control etc., as other herds. An additional condition for a dealer number is complete separation between the dealer establishment and any other farming enterprise. Furthermore, dealers are subject to annual compliance inspections, the focus of which is to ensure that complete separation between the dealer establishment and any other farming enterprise is maintained at all times.
Operators who turnover, within 30 days of purchase, less than 100 animals in a 12 month period are not considered to be operating as dealers and must comply with the obligations of a herdowner as set out above.
192. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the payment supports available to small suckler farmers who are not in receipt of any agricultural payments or supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36278/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order for a farmer to avail of funding under Cap Strategic Plan and Nationally funded farm schemes, they may in the first instance be required to submit a valid BISS and other Area Based Schemes application. This is an annual application submitted via my Department’s online system and provides details of the area farmed and the nature of farming undertaken by the applicant in a particular year.
This eligibility criteria is clearly set out in the Terms and Conditions of each scheme.
The submission of such an application allows my Department to carry out a number of control checks on the areas as declared and active farming requirements in order to ensure compliance with various scheme regulations.
My Department provides significant support to the suckler beef sector under the EU co-funded Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) and the exchequer-funded 2025 Beef Welfare Scheme (BWS). However generally speaking, the submission of a valid BISS application annually is a qualifying condition for participation in suckler support schemes. This is the case for both SCEP and the 2025 Beef Welfare Scheme (BWS).
In addition to dedicated supports for the suckler beef sector, my Department also administers various schemes that are open to farmers generally irrespective of their particular enterprise including those funded under the CAP Strategic Plan which is worth almost €9.8 billion over the duration of the current programming period.
Details of the eligibility and other conditions for participation in all schemes operated by my Department are available on the Department’s website.
193. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the proposed early retirement scheme for farmers will be introduced; if an upper age limit of 70 years will be considered for the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36283/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new Programme for Government prioritises “supporting inter-generational farm succession”. Food Vision 2030, our shared strategy for the agri-food sector, states that generational renewal in farming is critically important to ensure the future viability and social sustainability of the Irish agri-food sector and of rural Ireland. While supporting young farmers and new entrants is critical to ensure a bright future for the agri-food sector, it is also important to consider the position of older and retiring farmers.
There are a number of supports for generational renewal currently available to farmers under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027. These supports are complemented by a suite of strong national taxation measures to ensure a coherent approach.
Farm succession is a complex issue and there are many factors that impact farmers’ decisions. Last October, an independent Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming was established. The Commission is adopting an objective, evidence-based approach to examining all the complex factors involved. It is engaging closely with stakeholders, including a public consultation.
The Commission is making significant progress and I am expecting a report on policy options in the coming weeks, which will ensure that we have an objective analysis of the issue in advance of preparations for the next CAP.
194. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are plans to create a national database of dog DNA in conjunction with dog licences, to aid the identification of those dogs that attack, maim and even kill valuable farm animals (details supplied). [36319/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Microchipping of Dogs Regulation 2015 and Microchipping of Dogs (Amendment) Regulations 2015 require that all dogs over 12 weeks of age (or younger if sold before 12 weeks) must be microchipped and the microchip number must be registered to one of 4 approved databases.
Animal Welfare Officers are authorised to obtain information from the approved databases in relation to individual microchips. Interrogation of the database is targeted to establish the traceability of a dog that strays, to assist in the return to an owner if a dog is stolen and can also be carried out in the investigation of welfare cases.
These requirements support responsible breeding and pet ownership as incidences of neglect, mistreatment or irresponsible breeding practices can be linked to an accountable person through the registered identity of the dogs involved.
My Department is currently considering how best to achieve centralised access to all dog microchip numbers. A proposed regulation at EU level to improve the traceability of dogs and cats includes a proposal for each member state to establish a national microchip database for dogs and cats inter-operable with similar databases in other Member States.
A number of options are being examined with a view to selecting that which best improves dog welfare as well as public and livestock safety.
195. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current number of deer management units (DMU’s) nationally; the current number of staff employed in each DMU; the current number of vacancies in each DMU, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36364/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, along with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage established the Irish Deer Management Strategy group 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 progress the implementation of the actions identified by the Irish Deer Management Strategy Group (IDMSG) in this report. The Programme Manager, who has been appointed through the Farm Relief Services Limited following a procurement competition, will work closely with the IDMSG, my Department and the NPVS in prioritising and implementation of the short term recommendations identified in the report.
The locations of the deer management units (DMUs) have been finalised. There are 15 DMUs in total throughout the country. 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. Each DMU is deemed to be a part-time position, however one Coordinator may cover two DMUs which would make it a full time position for that person. Currently there are four full time Coordinators covering eight DMUs. There are offers out for a further three DMUs and the programme manager is in discussions with candidates on the remaining four DMUs.
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 can 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. FRS will not be employing hunters. Hunters who wish to contribute to the efforts in a DMU area and in local Deer Management Groups should contact FRS who will put them in contact with the relevant Coordinator.
196. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of vacancies currently in each departmental local office; whether the number of FRS operatives across all regions has been reduced in the past 18 months, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36365/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to ensuring that a highly skilled and motivated workforce is in place to meet business needs and uses workforce planning to identify and assess these needs for all locations. Recruitment is ongoing in my Department at present, and employment opportunities continue to be advertised either by the Public Jobs or by my Department's Human Resources Division. I am aware of the need for delivery of prompt and efficient services and all critical staffing vacancies are filled as soon as possible upon candidates becoming available.
My Department undertakes a broad range of services in meeting its business objectives, the delivery of which is supported by staff across administrative and specialist grades. The assignment of staff to duties varies from time to time reflecting changing business needs, seasonal variations in activities and disease situations. The delivery of my Department's objectives with regard to the TB eradication programme's wildlife programme is further supported by FRS operatives. There are currently two vacancies for these operatives in the country
The work of my Department is supported through the staffing of a network of offices nationwide including at my Departments Local Offices and Regional Veterinary Offices. Currently my Department’s Local Offices have 4 vacancies and the Regional Veterinary Offices have a further 95 vacancies. The table below provides further details:
|
Department Office |
Number of Vacancies |
|
Tipperary North Local Office |
2 |
|
Sligo Local Office |
1 |
|
Longford Local Office |
1 |
|
Cork Regional Office |
8 |
|
Cavan Regional Office |
14 |
|
Drumshambo Regional Office |
3 |
|
Meath Regional Office |
7 |
|
Limerick Regional Office |
11 |
|
Naas Regional Office |
2 |
|
Wexford Regional Office |
2 |
|
Offaly Regional Office |
4 |
|
Donegal Regional Office |
3 |
|
Mayo Regional Office |
6 |
|
Waterford Regional Office |
5 |
|
Roscommon Regional Office |
4 |
|
Tipperary Regional Office |
3 |
|
Kerry Regional Office |
6 |
|
Clonakilty Regional Office |
12 |
|
Galway Regional Office |
5 |
The information is reflective of the position on 30th June 2025. Work is actively ongoing to address these vacancies with minimal delay.
197. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update in relation to the retention of the Nitrates Derogation as per the Nitrates Derogation Renewal Plan published in August 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36366/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government clearly sets out the Government's commitment to present the best case for continuance of Ireland's current Nitrates Derogation whilst working with farmers to deliver improved water quality.
A Cabinet Committee on water quality chaired by the Taoiseach to coordinate water quality improvements and to work to secure Ireland's Nitrates Derogation at EU level has been established. This is one example demonstrating the Government's significant commitments in this regard.
My Department and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage attend the EU Nitrates Committee meetings. At the December 2024 Nitrates Committee, my Officials advised that in accordance with the Nitrates Directive, Ireland wished to apply for permission to continue applying in excess of 170kg of livestock manure Nitrogen per hectare from 2026, subject to a set of conditions that will ensure that application is scientifically justified and will continue to contribute to the achievement of the Nitrates Directive’s objectives.
As part of that process at EU level, Ireland's first presentation focused on water quality was made at the EU Nitrates Committee meeting which took place in March. Ireland's second presentation which focused on Irish agriculture, the changes introduced under the current Nitrates Action Programme and the agri-food sector's engagement to improve water quality was made at the EU Nitrates Committee meeting which took place on 13th June.
In addition I have engaged with Commissioner Roswall on the importance of our derogation and the Taoiseach has personally raised the matter with Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen.
Over the coming months the Government will continue to engage with the European Commission and other EU Member States to ensure we get the best possible outcome for Ireland post-2025.
198. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update regarding the ‘Better Farming for Water’ advisory programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36367/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn early 2024, my Department requested Teagasc to lead a multi-actor water quality advisory campaign to deliver clear, simple and positive messaging to enhance the understanding of farmers, as well as the broader agri-food industry of the agriculture pressures on water quality and the need for improvement.
Arising from that request, Teagasc launched their Better Farming for Water 8-Actions for Change Campaign.
This campaign aims to support all farmers in adopting best practices that will reduce nutrient, sediment, pesticide, and pathogen loss to waterbodies either through diffuse or point source pathways from agricultural sources. Since its launch the campaign has made good progress and significant resources have been devoted to implementation.
A Steering Committee has been established to oversee the campaign with membership consisting of senior representatives from my own Department, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the dairy, tillage and meat industries, the farming organisations, the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), the Local Authorities Waters Programme (LAWPRO), and Teagasc itself.
The "8-actions for change" articulated under the campaign fall under three areas for practice improvement – nutrient management, farmyard management, and land management providing a structured relatable approach for farmer engagement.
While it is a national campaign, eight priority catchments have been identified with six catchment co-ordinators appointed by Teagasc to lead implementation of the campaign in the Boyne, Slaney, Nore/Barrow, Suir, Blackwater and Lee/Bandon catchments.
Other achievements to date include mainstreaming of water quality advice across Teagasc’s advisory channels and farmer events, as well as provision of training for agricultural merchants sales/counter staff within the River Slaney catchment as part of Tirlán’s Slaney Project.
More information about the campaign is available at: www.teagasc.ie/environment/water-quality/better-farming-for-water/
199. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of badgers that have been culled to date in 2025; the number that have been vaccinated for bovine TB (bTB); of those culled, the number that tested positive for bTB; if he will provide similar figures for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36433/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraPopulation control of badgers is a key component of the wildlife programme in the bovine TB programme in areas of high disease incidence and where the source of a TB outbreak is attributed to badgers. My Department's wildlife programme uses both vaccination and culling of badgers where appropriate. I can confirm that the number of badgers culled and vaccinated to date in 2025 is 4424 and 1795 respectively. In comparison the total figures for 2024 were 7319 culled and 3830 vaccinated.
Carrying out a full post mortem on a single badger is a very costly exercise. Therefore, only a subset of the badgers removed are sent for a full post mortem. The badgers removed are generally taken from high incidence areas for M.Bovis. As a result we are biasing the post mortem results in favour of finding positive M.Bovis samples in badgers. So caution should be exercised when interpreting the results.
In 2024 we tested 1946 badgers, and 545 of those were positive for M.Bovis. In 2025 we have received samples from 1704 badgers. However, to date we only have results for 662 badgers. The reason for this is that M.Bovis is a very slow growing bacteria, and it takes considerable time to culture the bacteria in a laboratory environment. Of the 662 samples 212 of those have tested positive.
I will continue to ensure that the wildlife programme throughout the country is supported into the future. However it would be remiss of me to focus solely on one aspect of disease control. The wildlife programme must also run alongside good biosecurity controls, as well reducing the impact of known high risk bovine animals and residual infection.
200. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 150 of 20 May 2025, how he intends to “reduce the impact of known high risk animals in spreading bTB”; if he is referring to badgers in this sentence; to outline those measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36434/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraBovine TB is a challenging disease to control and eradicate. In recent years, bovine TB (bTB) levels have continued to deteriorate.
Herd incidence has increased from 4.31% in 2022 to 6.04% in 2024, resulting in a 36% increase in the number of herds restricted between 2022 and 2024. As of 22nd June 2025, over a 12 month period we had a herd incidence of 6.43 % with over 43,455 reactors. This disease is having an impact on our farmers and their families both financially and emotionally throughout rural Ireland. This cannot be allowed to continue. It is important that all sources of infection are addressed to help eradicate this disease - cattle to cattle, residual infection and wildlife, including badgers.
Following extensive discussions at the TB Forum, I met TB stakeholders on 8 May and farming organisations on 22 May with a view to agreeing an action plan for bovine TB on the most effective ways to mitigate the impact of bTB on farm families and to reduce herd incidence and spread of the disease. It was clear at these meetings that there is an appetite for change to the bTB programme.
At these meetings I presented 5 key pillars to address the current rates of bTB:
Support herds free of bTB to remain free
Reduce the impact of wildlife on the spread of bTB
Detect and eliminate bTB infection as early as possible in herds with a TB breakdown and avoid a future breakdown
Help farmers improve all areas of on farm biosecurity
Reduce the impact of known high risk animals in spreading bTB
I am currently considering in the context of an Action Plan how best to address this to reduce the risk of spreading bTB from herd to herd through animal movements.
At a meeting of Cabinet on Tuesday 24th June I received the approval of government to address the current high level of bovine TB.
I want to move promptly to implement this TB plan, and I am confident this plan will help to contribute to a more effective programme that protects farmers and their families from this disease.
I will ensure that any measures adopted are based on the best scientific and veterinary advice. Through strong leadership by all involved in the programme and by working together we can take the necessary measures to protect farmers livelihoods from bTB.
201. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to his statement on 24 June 2025 that “Heydon gets approval from Cabinet to address current high levels of bovine TB”, to confirm the measures that were approved by Cabinet; when those proposals will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36435/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraBovine TB is a challenging disease to control and eradicate. In recent years, bovine TB (bTB) levels have continued to deteriorate.
Herd incidence has increased from 4.31% in 2022 to 6.04% in 2024, resulting in a 36% increase in the number of herds restricted between 2022 and 2024. As of 22nd June 2025, over a 12 month period we had a herd incidence of 6.43 % with over 43,455 reactors. This disease is having an impact on our farmers and their families both financially and emotionally throughout rural Ireland. This cannot be allowed to continue.
Following extensive discussions at the TB Forum, I met TB stakeholders on 8 May and farming organisations on 22 May with a view to agreeing an action plan for bovine TB on the most effective ways to mitigate the impact of bTB on farm families and to reduce herd incidence and spread of the disease. It was clear at these meetings that there is an appetite for change to the bTB programme.
At these meetings I presented 5 key pillars to address the current rates of bTB:
Support herds free of bTB to remain free
Reduce the impact of wildlife on the spread of bTB
Detect and eliminate bTB infection as early as possible in herds with a TB breakdown and avoid a future breakdown
Help farmers improve all areas of on farm biosecurity
Reduce the impact of known high risk animals in spreading bTB
I want to thank all stakeholders for their engagement at these meetings. The concerns they had in relation to the impact of bTB on their members were clear and palpable. The discussions I had at these meetings have fed into a TB plan that I intend to finalise and publish shortly.
At a meeting of Cabinet on Tuesday 24th June I received the approval and support of my government colleagues to address the current high level of bovine TB through the five pillars above the detail of which will be provided in an updated plan to tackle this disease.
I want to move promptly to implement this TB plan, and I am confident this plan will help to contribute to a more effective programme that protects farmers and their families from this disease.
I will ensure that any measures adopted are based on the best scientific and veterinary advice. Through strong leadership by all involved in the programme and by working together we can take the necessary measures to protect farmers livelihoods from bTB.
202. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if further to the recent fires on Tara Hill, Gorey, County Wexford there will be a review or recommendations into the matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36451/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is satisfied with the recent Multi-agency response to recent fires on Tara Hill, which occurred during particularly challenging weather conditions for fire, and in difficult terrain. My Department is not aware of ongoing issues with emergency service access at this site, either on public roads or within the forest area itself.
By their nature forest fires in rural areas often involve access to difficult terrain and the use of forest road networks and footpaths permits access by fire service vehicles and crews to the site, including specialist Coillte teams. Forest road networks are primarily designed to support heavy forestry vehicles, and can readily support fire appliances, tankers and other heavy emergency vehicles. Forest firefighting often involves the use of smaller, more agile 4x4 type vehicles, ATV's and man-portable equipment capable of off-road operation where conditions permit. Availability of helicopter firefighting support is key to rapid suppression of fires in difficult terrain and a Coillte helicopter was used to support firefighting operations during the incident at Tara Hill, ensuring an effective suppression response despite difficult prevailing conditions.
The incident underpins the need for members of the public to act responsibly during visits to forest lands and to refrain from lighting fires, barbecues and other sources of ignition, and in particular to park responsibly at forest sites so as not to block emergency access to forest road networks in case these are needed for emergency access.
203. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address matters concerning the mysterious deaths of a large number of the farm animals (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36593/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, along with other public sector bodies was involved in an extensive investigation of animal health and environmental concerns on the farm of the person for whom the Deputy has provided details.
An inter-agency group (IAG) was convened in June 2004 and comprised my Department’s Laboratories, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Teagasc, the Health Services Executive (HSE) and Kilkenny County Council.
Extensive investigations were conducted by state bodies on this farm and the reports of all investigations were provided to the herd owner and his advisers.
I am advised that in no instance was a request for a postmortem examination of animals from this farm refused/not undertaken by the Department’s laboratory service
Due to concerns raised by the herd owner, in 2024, my predecessor, and then Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue committed to the establishment of an independent review of the Department of Agriculture investigations referred to above. The scope of the review does not extend to investigations undertaken by any other body or agency.
Dr Sean Brady was appointed as independent chairperson of this review and is currently engaging directly with the herdowner to progress this review, based on terms of reference agreed with the herdowner.
204. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the numbers of TB reactors for each of the past five years, in tabular form, that were compensated at the maximum rate; how the maximum rate is determined; if he is satisfied that the maximum rates are appropriate; if he has plans to review the maximum compensation rate per animal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36632/25]
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 provides compensation to affected herdowners up to the market value that each individual animal would have attained on the open market had it not been affected by disease.
When a herd goes down with TB, the herdowner selects a valuer from an independent panel of livestock experts who visit the holding to value the animals on farm using up to date market values. Each week my Department issue ‘Summary Market Prices’ which are compiled of sales data collected nationally from marts by my Department and accurately reflect current values for each category of animal, ensuring that affected farmers receive appropriate value for their animal(s).
My Department does not have any role or influence in the process of valuing animals under the scheme, this process is wholly independent. Both herd keepers and my Department have a right under the scheme to appeal a valuations.
Once a valuation has been agreed by both parties, the animals are removed for slaughter. On receipt of factory dockets detailing the salvage value, my Department issues payment for the remainder of the valuation bringing the amount up to the market value assigned by the independent valuer subject to the below ceiling limits.
|
Animal Type |
Ceiling per animal |
|
Pedigree cows & pedigree in calf heifers |
€5,000 each |
|
Three pedigree stock bulls allowed in the same breakdown episode |
€5,000 each |
|
Any other individual bovine animal |
€3,000 each |
The ceilings are also detailed on page six of the TB Compensation Booklet that each herd owner receives when they enter a breakdown.
As part of the work of the TB Forum, a dedicated Financial Working Group was established to review the financial modelling of various elements of the Bovine TB Eradication programme. As a result of the agreement reached in this Group, enhanced ceilings were put in place for select animals under the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme in 2023.
In addition, the Financial Working Group also expanded the eligibility criteria under the three supplementary TB financial schemes - Income Supplement Scheme and Hardship Grant Schemes.
The statistics that Deputy Moynihan seeks will take a number of days to collate. I will provide the information directly to the Deputy once finalised.
205. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of people under 65 who have transitioned out of nursing homes since 2021; the number in the same cohort who have entered nursing homes in that same period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36248/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
206. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the rationale behind cutting the budget for the enhanced quality of life scheme, which supports personal assistants and electric wheelchairs and so on, from €812,000 to €251,000 in the past year; if this reduction can be justified in the context of the Government’s stated aim to end the institutionalisation of under-65s, when this fund was set up to empower people with disabilities to live independently; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36251/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
207. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the first-year and full-year cost of increasing the weekly foster care allowance by €10. [36585/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this relates to operational information held by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, the question has been referred to the Agency for direct reply to the Deputy.
208. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the immediate and long-term measures being taken to address the severe shortage of childcare places; how the Government is planning to reform the national childcare scheme to better support working families and promote flexible working arrangements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36311/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraImproving access to quality and affordable Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare is a key priority of Government.
Early learning and childcare capacity is increasing. Data from the Annual Early Years Sector Profile 2023/24 shows that the estimated number of enrolments increased by approximately 19% from the 2021/22 programme year. Core Funding application data shows that between Year 1 and Year 3 of the scheme, annual place hours increased by over 15%. The Tusla register of services demonstrates a net increase in the numbers of registered early learning and childcare services in 2024. However, it appears that demand for early learning and childcare remains higher than available supply in certain parts of the country, particularly for younger children.
My Department continues to support the ongoing development and resourcing of Core Funding which has given rise to a significant expansion of places since the scheme was first introduced. Core Funding, which is in its third programme year, funds services based on the number of places available. This provides stability to services, and reduces the risk associated with opening a new service or expanding an already existing service.
The Government is also supporting the expansion of capacity through capital funding. The Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme is designed to increase capacity in the 1–3-year-old, pre–Early Childhood Care and Education, age range for full day care. Core Funding partner services could apply for capital funding to physically extend their premises or to construct or purchase new premises.
50 applications will be progressing to the next stage of the Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme. These 50 applications come from a mix of Community Extension (24), Private Extension (7), Community Purchasing (4) and Community Construction (15) projects, which, when completed, will deliver 1,500 additional full time childcare places for 1-3 year olds.
A forward planning model is in development which will be central to my Department's plans to achieve the policy goals set out in the Programme for Government to build an affordable, high-quality, accessible early childhood education and care system, with State-led facilities adding capacity.
The forward planning model being developed draws on administrative data to map the child population and location of funded services, and Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping tools to model the link between children and available services. This will enable the identification and comparison of areas of need with a consistent methodology.
The Programme for Government commits for the first time to provide capital investment to build or purchase state-owned early learning and childcare facilities, to create additional capacity in areas where unmet need exists. State ownership of facilities is a very substantial and significant development and offers the potential for much greater scope to influence the nature and volume of provision available and to ensure better alignment with estimated demand.
The approach to capital investment in future years is being considered within the context of the Programme for Government commitments and the revision to the National Development Plan which is ongoing.
An evaluation of the National Childcare Scheme is due to start this year. This evaluation will review how the Scheme has performed to date and identify potential enhancements that could be made. Part of this evaluation will examine ways in which the National Childcare Scheme can better support working families and promote flexible working arrangements.
The findings from this evaluation will also inform the work of my Department in reaching the Programme for Government commitment.
In line with the Programme for Government, work is also under way to develop an Action Plan to build an affordable, high-quality, accessible early learning and childcare system, informed by stakeholder consultation. This will set out future steps to reduce the cost of childcare to €200 per child per month over the lifetime of the Government.
