Written Answers Nos. 71-100
71. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his plans to address delays in processing times for visa applications submitted to the South Africa visa desk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36526/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that on 10 July 2024 visa requirements were introduced for nationals of South Africa, bringing our arrangements into alignment with the visa requirements of Schengen members states, and with those of the UK.The Dublin Visa Office have established a dedicated “South Africa desk” to process applications from residents of South Africa. My Department also established Visa Application Centres, located throughout South Africa, with visa service provider VFS Global. This is to ensure the facilitation of legitimate travel with processes that are robust, effective, and fair.
In 2024, approximately 201,000 visa applications, of all types, were received by the Visa Division of my Department. This reflects an increase of 21%, compared to 2023, with over 35,000 additional applications received.Since July 2024 to date, over 11,700 applications of all types have been received by the South African Desk and over 7,900 decisions have issued with an overall 89% grant rate.
The South Africa Desk publishes guidance for applicants, target processing times and weekly decision reports, at the following webpage: www.irishimmigration.ie/south-africa-visa-desk/
The current target processing times for visa applications submitted to the South Africa Visa Desk are 10 to 12 weeks for applications to visit family/friend and approximately 14 weeks for tourist applications. I can assure the Deputy that efforts are being made to improve the current processing times.If an application has significantly exceeded the above times, it is possible that, on initial assessment, the application has not met the criteria to be issued a visa, and further assessment/verification is required. In such instances, processing times will be longer than those stated above.
I understand extended wait times can be frustrating. I want to assure anyone who is waiting on a decision that my Department is doing everything possible to progress applications as quickly as possible. In recent months, additional resources and staff have been assigned to my Department’s Visa Division which I expect will reduce the waiting times for all applications.People are advised that unforeseen delays can arise, which are outside the control of the Visa Desk. Processing times for all applications are influenced by a number of factors. The time it can take varies depending on the type and complexity of application; individual circumstances; peak application periods; such as holidays or the start of the school year; and, crucially, the quality and completeness of the application lodged.
Any person can now directly check the status of their visa application on the Immigration Service’s new Customer Service portal. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/.
72. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will establish an historical investigations unit to allow for independent police investigation into unresolved deaths and incidents of torture or ill-treatment, as proposed by the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and the Committee on the Administration of Justice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36602/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Historical Investigation Unit structure was a proposal contained in the Stormont House Agreement specific to Northern Ireland.
In this jurisdiction, the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, led by the Assistant Commissioner for Organised and Serious Crime, holds a national investigative remit and is specialised in the area of major crime investigation. It undertakes and supports investigations on the direction of the Garda Commissioner.
The Deputy will also be aware that the expertise of the Serious Crime Review Team (SCRT), established in 2007 to provide for independent review of historical investigations, including homicides, is available where appropriate. These reviews constitute an independent examination of evidence and other material, gathered during investigation and to ensure that it conforms to approved standards; that the investigation has been thorough, conducted with integrity and objectivity; and to identify further investigative opportunities. The remit of the SCRT is broad and would include reviews of troubles-related cases, where appropriate.
I am assured that, in circumstances where historic offences have not been resolved, the investigations remain open and the Garda Authorities will, and do, follow up fully, on any new evidence or information that becomes available to them, whether that comes from the public, from other police services or from their own investigations.
I can also assure the Deputy that the Government is determined to fulfil our shared responsibilities as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement. The Programme for Government explicitly states our commitment to play our full part in legacy processes and to address the legacy of the conflict in this jurisdiction. The Taoiseach, Tánaiste and I continue to engage with the British Government in this regard.
73. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the training and specific actions his Department is undertaking to ensure members of An Garda Síochána are best protected and best prepared for particular situations (details supplied); if there is a system within An Garda Síochána to engage vehicles that refuse to stop when engaged in criminal activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36622/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including the training of its members. As Minister, I have no role in the matter.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that Garda trainees receive comprehensive instruction in the areas of Roads Policing during the course of their training at the Garda College. This includes instruction on the following:
• The functions of An Garda Síochána as outlined in section 9(1) of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024
• The functions of a checkpoint
• Out of Vehicle Safety Training
• The establishment and correct procedure to operate a checkpoint
• The legislative powers to operate a checkpoint and to stop and engage with drivers of mechanically propelled vehicles
• The legislative powers to demand certain information e.g. name and address, driving licence, insurance etc. from drivers of mechanically propelled vehicles.
Section 9(1) of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 states that one of the functions of An Garda Síochána is 'regulating and controlling road traffic and improving road safety.' Garda trainees are instructed that a checkpoint has several functions, namely to act as a preventative measure to monitor and control the movement of criminals; to monitor and gain intelligence on the movement of persons, criminals and terrorists; to detect stolen vehicles; to detect and act as a deterrent for road traffic offences; and to complete questionnaires in relation to criminal investigations.
In relation to the legislative powers available to Gardaí to operate and stop vehicles, Trainee Gardaí receive instruction in relation to;
• DPP vs Fagan (Supreme Court 1994) – the operation of random checkpoints falls within the common law power of Gardaí to detect and prevent crime.
• Section 109 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, as amended. This section obliges the driver of an MPV in a public place to stop his/her vehicle when directed to do so by a member of An Garda Síochána.
Training of Vehicle Stopping Device Instructors is carried out by the Garda College and focuses on the following;
• Deployment of a Vehicle Stopping Device as a tactical option for the managed pursuit of all vehicles
• Compliance with manufacturers guidelines (Health & Safety)
• The Garda Decision Making Model / Overarching Use of Force Policy / European Convention for Human Rights
• Case studies from real life scenarios to identify key learning points
• Safety – Deploying methods, suitable deployment locations and use of cover
• Communications – Important details to be communicated between deploying member, following patrol vehicle, Regional Control Dispatcher and the Garda Air Support Unit
• Other factors – Planned and Spontaneous pursuits/stops, motorway cover & motorway deployment, parking of Garda vehicle near deployment site and factors such as weather/speed, etc.
I am further advised that all training is based around the relevant Vehicle Stopping Device Policy – HQ directive 088/2024. The members of An Garda Síochána trained to master instructor level complete their training with the Metropolitan Police Tactical Driving Academy at Hendon, London. These instructors roll out this training to Garda members nationally.
85. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider introducing an incentive scheme to encourage farmers who have particularly old and potentially dangerous tractors and machinery in their farm yards to upgrade to newer and safer options; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36295/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) provides grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings. Overall, the scheme has proved very popular, with an unprecedented level of applications received.
The Farm Safety Capital Investment Scheme is a measure in TAMS 3, which provides an incentive to farmers to avail of investments to improve their own safety and that of their farm. This scheme includes a number of investment items such as livestock pens and animal handling equipment, all of which contribute to improved safety on the farm. However, due to budgetary constraints, it is not possible to extend the scheme to include support for tractors.
TAMS 3 also provides support for a range of new machinery in the Low Emissions Slurry Spreading (LESS) Scheme, while machinery including cultivators, sprayers and fertiliser spreaders are available under other TAMS 3 schemes
Farm safety is of paramount importance. I would urge farmers to ensure their machines are at all times in a safe operating condition.
87. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers waiting on outstanding ACRES payments, including the numbers in Roscommon and Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36047/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra88. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the up-to-date position on payments issuing in respect of farmers' participation in ACRES in 2023 and 2024; the number of payments still outstanding for both of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36629/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 87 and 88 together.
The Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme or ACRES is the flagship environmental scheme provided under the 2023-2027 CAP Strategic Plan, with €1.5 billion in Exchequer and EU funding allocated over the course of the scheme. There are currently just under 54,000 participants in ACRES.
Payments in respect of ACRES continue to issue on a weekly basis as cases pass all required validation checks. A total of €512.2 million has now issued since ACRES payments commenced at the end of 2023.
In the case of the 2023 scheme year, almost 99% of participants have been paid in full.
As regards 2024, 97% of participants have received their advance payments, and almost 94% of participants have now received a balancing payment.
A total of 514 farmers have yet to receive their final payments for 2023. Of these, 236 have already received an interim payment of either €4,000 or €5,000, respectively.
Advance payments in respect of scheme participation in 2024 have still to be made to 1,586 ACRES participants across Tranches 1 and 2.
These 1,586 participants include those awaiting their balancing payment in respect of 2023, as that must be paid before the 2024 Advance payment may be made to them.
For county Roscommon 2,910 participants have been paid up to date while 129 are awaiting payments. Full payment has issued to 6,251 county Galway participants meaning payments are still due for the remaining 468 participants.
My Department is committed to resolving the issues that have been delaying the remaining payments as soon as possible. Additional resources have been deployed, and we are systematically working through the remaining issues associated with the outstanding cases.
These issues can range from internal departmental matters such as the processing of changes of ownership and the finalisation of payment calculation processes, to external, applicant- or advisor-related matters such as the submission of documentation.
While we are continuing to work on those internal issues, I would also take this opportunity to remind farmers and advisors to submit, as soon as possible, any outstanding documentation that will allow my Department to progress and complete their claims as soon as possible.
My Department will continue to issue regular online updates over the coming period on the progress being made.
89. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has any concerns about questionable marketing practices used by Irish companies in west Africa in relation to fat-filled milk powder, FFMP, and the support given to FFMP exports by Bord Bia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36624/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is a small open trading economy and Irish dairy products are exported to around 140 countries around the world, including markets in Africa. Bord Bia is the Irish semi state agency with responsibility for the promotion of Irish food, drink and horticulture both in Ireland and in overseas markets. West Africa is a market which presents significant opportunities for Irish drinks, seafood and dairy companies.
While promotional campaigns are an operational matter for Bord Bia, they have advised me that their activities promoting Irish dairy to international customers are not typically product specific.
Ireland is committed to supporting enhanced cooperation between the European Union and African Union (AU). West Africa is a valued trading partner for Ireland. I had an opportunity to engage with a number of my African counterparts while attending the AU-EU Agriculture Ministerial Conference in Rome last week.
90. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline the plans, if any, to standardise the rules for people with equine premises numbers that are applying for full herd numbers, which are at present decided on a case-by-case basis, in order to ensure they will not be disadvantaged by the five-year rule when applying for young farmers enhancement schemes in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36645/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn equine premises registration number (EPRN) is required for any person keeping an equine. In order to get an EPRN, an applicant must complete and sign the form HR1, available online at my Department’s website, and return it to their regional veterinary office. An EPRN is a herd number that is only active on my Department’s system for activities relating to keeping horses or donkeys. It is possible for a person who initially obtained an EPRN to subsequently have it activated for other species such as cattle or sheep.
In these circumstances, where one number covers a number of activities, it is necessary for my Department to examine applications under the Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers made using a herd number that was first used for horses to assess when exactly the agricultural activity started and to assess any supports that may have been paid by my Department during the time the herd number was held solely for equine purposes. Systems in my Department record when a number is activated for each species and this information is used to ensure a consistent approach.
My Department is available to provide further information on an individual case if required, and the Deputy can contact my office or my Department’s Oireachtas Liaison Unit in this regard.
91. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the up-to-date position regarding supports for farmers whose forestry was severely damaged due to storms, including storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36647/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recognise that storms Darragh and Éowyn have caused significant damage to forests around the country and that this presents significant challenges to stakeholders in forestry. I welcome the positive progress made by the Forestry Sector in the mobilisation of windblown material in forests.
My Department is prioritising the processing of storm-related felling and road licence applications and has advice for farmers and forest owners on its website. Both thinning and clearfell licences can be used in removing storm damaged trees. Recent data shows that 65% of windblown trees already have a felling licence issued by the Department.
My Department is currently examining the provision of all possible supports to those affected. While direct compensation cannot be paid, in accordance with EU State Aid rules, my Department is exploring the introduction of a Reconstitution Scheme. Without prejudging the outcome of these deliberations, which will be subject to budgetary considerations, I want to reassure affected forest owners that they will not be disadvantaged by undertaking works now and if they do not currently have a felling licence, they should consult with their forester about applying for one.
In addition to financial supports, my Department is using every means at its disposal to assist in the recovery of storm affected timber. My Department, in conjunction with Coillte, has carried out an extensive analysis of the windblow situation using satellite imagery. This has been useful in mapping the boundary of each area affected which can be used by landowners and their foresters.
The Forest Windblow Taskforce was set up with stakeholders from across the sector. It is currently considering the capacity of the sector to mobilise and process windblown timber and is finalising an action plan to identify bottlenecks and rectify them.
Harvesting capacity on the island is being increased and I understand that more than 80% of the harvesting capacity in the country is now working in windblow areas. This is speeding up the collection of material.
I wish to reassure the Deputy and forest owners, that we are determined to work with all in the sector to address the effects of Storm Éowyn and to secure a future for forestry in Ireland.
92. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether he would consider reintroducing the young farmer installation aid scheme to support new entrants into farming. [36529/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new Programme for Government emphasises “supporting inter-generational farm succession.” Food Vision 2030, our shared strategy for the agri-food sector, highlights that ensuring generational renewal in farming is vital for the sector’s long-term viability and the sustainability of rural Ireland.
Demographic challenges facing agriculture are not unique to Ireland; the difficulty of attracting young people into farming is a recognised issue at both national and EU levels, including in the recent EU Commission Vision for Agriculture and Food.While the original Installation Aid Scheme played a role in supporting young farmers, there are a range of supports currently available for young farmers. Under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027. I am committing significant investment to promote generational renewal, with measures including:
• A Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers’ Scheme, supporting young farmers in establishing their businesses. Payments for 2024 under the CISYF began in early December 2024.
• The National Reserve 2023-2027, which offers support to two priority groups—Young Farmers and New Farmers—with approximately €3.1 million paid out for the 2024 scheme.
• Under the TAMS capital investment measure, a 60% grant rate for qualified young farmers remains available.
• A Collaborative Farming Grant Scheme to financially encourage partnerships between existing farmers and trained young farmers.
• The Succession Planning Advice Grant, which helps cover costs for independent legal and financial advice to older farmers planning succession.
In March, I announced that over €1.5 million has been allocated to three Generational Renewal projects under the European Innovation Partnership (EIP) measure of the CAP Strategic Plan.
Beyond the support measures available through the CSP, there are also comprehensive national taxation policies, access to finance supports, and extensive education and training programs.
Last October, an independent Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming was established. The Commission is taking an objective, evidence-based approach examining the various factors involved that contribute to the age demographic in the sector. 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.
Despite these substantial efforts, I acknowledge farm holder demographics are unchanging, which demonstrates that farm succession is a complex issue influenced by numerous factors. I will therefore continue to monitor and review the supports available for young farmers.
93. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when farmers will have the opportunity to avail of landscape actions and carry out works in upland co-operation areas under ACRES; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36363/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme or ACRES is Ireland’s national agri-environment climate measure provided under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027. The Government has committed €1.5 billion to the scheme over its duration, the largest amount ever allocated to an agri-environment scheme. There are currently some 54,000 participants, with intake approved into the Scheme in two tranches. There are two separate approaches within the scheme, ACRES General and ACRES Co-Operation.
Landscape Actions are targeted measures within the Co-Operation approach of the scheme which focus on issues such as invasive species management, encroaching scrub, threatened species and water quality thereby offering benefits to the local environment. Participants in the ACRES Co-Operation approach will be aided by their local ACRES Co-Operation Team in relation to the recommendation of, and application for, appropriate Landscape Actions that are suitable and relevant to their local area. The Co-Operation team will create and submit a Landscape Action Annual Works Plan on behalf of the participant. This plan will then be screened by the Co-Operation Team prior to approval.
A process involving an appropriate assessment, public consultation, budgeting, drafting specifications and development of functionality must be undertaken before the opening of the Landscape Actions application window. This process is progressing and it is expected that the application window will open in the coming weeks. This would facilitate the issuing of decision letters later in 2025 with payments expected to issue in 2026. A provisional list of draft Landscape Actions along with further information is available on the Department website.
Further details will be provided in due course.
94. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he is taking to protect Irish whiskey in international markets; the plans for expansion in that regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35260/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIrish Whiskey is a protected geographical indication and recognised under the European Union Quality Schemes as a quality product associated with tradition and authenticity.
Geographical indications are similar to intellectual property, and these products have protection from evocation and misuse across the European Union. That means that it is not permitted for a product to claim to be an Irish Whiskey when it is not produced in Ireland in accordance with the product specification. This protection is against both direct misuse, that is to say, a fraudulent product which claims to be Irish Whiskey when it is not, or indirect misuse, when a product misleads the consumer that would give a false impression that their product is Irish Whiskey when it is not.
As well its protection in the European Union, Geographical Indications may be included in Free Trade Agreements, which leads to their protection in Third country markets. This process has been very successful to date. Irish Whiskey is currently protected under international agreements in 34 third country markets. This extensive protection means that a significant proportion of Irish Whiskey exports are to destinations where it has protection in an international agreement.
In regard to enhancing that protection further, when an FTA is being negotiated my Department examines export statistics to that market, consults with industry and proposes that certain geographical indications such as Irish Whiskey be proposed for inclusion in these FTAs where appropriate.
On an on-going basis, my Department has regular engagement with industry to ensure that their needs and concerns are heard, and supports industry in any appropriate actions they may take relating to the protection of Irish Whiskey on the global marketplace.
95. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the improvements to water quality during the lifetime of the fifth nitrates action programme in Ireland, which runs from 2022 to 2025, and in particular since the reduction in the maximum organic manure limit from 250 kg N/ha to 220 kg N/ha being implemented in targeted areas in January 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35553/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraYesterday the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) published their Water Quality Monitoring Report on Nitrogen and Phosphorous concentrations in Irish waters 2024.
This annual report provides an update on the results of water quality monitoring to support the assessment of the impact of our Nitrate’s Derogation on Irish waters.
This report is prepared to meet one of the conditions attached to Ireland's current Nitrates Derogation.
The report shows a 10% overall reduction in the nitrate concentrations in most regions last year. Indeed, the data published yesterday by the EPA is in line with their early insights report on nitrate levels for 2024 which they published in March.
Given that there is an average lag time of approximately two years from implementation of a measure to it translating to improving water quality data under Irish conditions, this report gives a solid indication that the measures introduced since 2022 under Ireland's 5th Nitrates Action Programme are working.
Over the last number of years, farmers have embraced a significant number of new and enhanced measures to improve our water quality. The entire agri-food sector is also engaging in significant, unprecedented action to reduce its impact on water quality. It is premature to attribute these reductions to anyone one individual measure but rather it results from the suite of actions being taken by farmers.
This action on the ground is being supported by Government through measures such as the Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership, ASSAP, the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme, and TAMS grant aid supporting investments in nutrient storage and new slurry spreading technologies.
All of these actions have the objective of reducing agriculture's impact on water quality. The reduction in nitrate concentrations in our rivers last year is a positive endorsement regarding these actions and efforts. We need to maintain this momentum.
As we look to the future, there is strong cross-Government support to build on the current engagement and momentum to improve water quality and to support Ireland’s case for a continuation of our Nitrates Derogation post-2025.
96. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to expedite the long-awaited ban on pair trawling; the reason this obvious decision has not been taken before now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36673/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for his question and I would like to stress that this Government is fully committed to maintaining support for our important inshore fishing sector and promoting the sustainability of fish stocks, as outlined in our Programme for Government.
In December 2018, a transition period to a ban on vessels over 18 metres trawling in inshore waters, inside the six nautical mile zone and the baselines was announced. A significant part of the objective of this measure was to manage the fishing effort on sprat stocks which are primarily targeted within inshore waters. This measure, however, was the subject of extended legal proceedings resulting in the measure being overturned in 2023.
In February 2024, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine held a new public consultation on a review of trawling activity inside the six nautical mile zone and the baselines. The consultation took place over a period of eight weeks and closed in April 2024. This consultation took place without prejudice. It had been over five years since the original scientific and economic advice was compiled and the public consultation on this issue took place. Therefore, up-to-date scientific and economic advice was sought from the Marine Institute and Bord Iascaigh Mhara, respectively, on trawling in the waters inside the six nautical miles and the baselines prior to the public consultation.
The purpose of the consultation was to invite stakeholders and interested parties to advise of their views on any changes to policy within the scope of this review. The volume of submissions received on the new 2024 consultation held was considerable – over 5,000 submissions were received, more than six times greater than submissions received during the 2018 consultation, further highlighting the increased public interest in the matter. These submissions will be used to inform a review of trawling activity inside the six nautical mile zone and baselines. The sheer volume of detailed submissions takes time to collate and fully analyse. All relevant issues will be carefully considered before a decision can be made.
Given the history of litigation in relation to this matter, it is critical that all of the necessary procedural and legal steps are taken before any final decision is made.
97. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline the schemes in place to support the creation and enhancement of hedgerows and other linear and connective landscape features of value to wildlife; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35769/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraHedgerows are a valuable resource on Irish farms, contributing to both our biodiversity, water quality and climate ambitions.
There is an estimated 689,000 kms of hedgerows in the country. My Department, under Food Vision 2030, has committed to a target of 10% of the farmed area to be prioritised for biodiversity. Hedgerow and buffer strip creation will play a significant role in achieving this target. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) have implemented a number of measures to protect and enhance the network of hedgerows and landscape features on agricultural land under the CAP Strategic Plan.
The Deputy may be aware, that the Eco Scheme supports farmers to retain and enhance linear features on their farms. Indeed, in 2025 84% of farmers have selected the Eco-Scheme agricultural practice 1 ‘Space for Nature’ option, requiring a minimum of either 7% or 10% space for nature on their land to qualify. This practice aims to contribute to halting and reversing biodiversity loss, enhance ecosystem services and preserve habitats and landscapes. Additionally, Eco-Scheme agricultural practice 4 provides farmers with the option of ‘planting of native trees and or hedgerows’ with over 1,100 farmers opting for this practice in 2025.
Under the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES), there are five tree and hedgerow-related actions available to farmers which they commit to carry out on their holdings for five years. The actions specifically relating to hedgerows are planting of new hedgerows and rejuvenation of existing hedgerows through laying or coppicing. While hedgerows are a dominant habitat on most Irish farms, it is noted that the quality of many hedgerows is poor. The inclusion of two specific hedgerow rejuvenation actions in ACRES seeks to improve their quality, extend their lifespan and enable those hedgerows to better support biodiversity in the future. Over 2,300km of new hedgerows have been planted by over 6,300 participants in ACRES General, with over 11,000 participants committing to the maintenance and improvement of existing hedgerows through the coppicing and laying actions.
Other linear actions included in ACRES that are of value to wildlife include establishing Grass Margins, Riparian Buffer strips, Winter Bird Food strips and Unharvested Cereal Headlands.
There are some 870 kilometres of field boundaries are under supports from ACRES. These field boundaries aim to support wild bird and pollinator populations.
My Department will continue to support farmers through our CSP Schemes in respect of hedgerows and the many co-benefits they provide.
98. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the concrete measures he is taking to tackle the spread of bovine TB. [36653/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraBovine TB is a challenging disease to control and eradicate. In recent years, bovine TB (bTB) levels have continued to deteriorate despite everyone's efforts.
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.
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 concrete measures to mitigate the impact of bTB on farm families and to reduce herd incidence and spread of the disease.
At these meetings I presented 5 key measures 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
The discussions I had at these meetings have fed into a TB plan that I intend to finalise the details of this plan and publish this shortly.
At a meeting of Cabinet on Tuesday 24th June I received the approval of government to address the current high level of bovine TB with this plan.
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. These measures will be formulated with a view to taking the most effective yet practical measures to control and reduce bovine TB and to allow us in time to refocus on the eradication of this disease.
99. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the specific climate action measures implemented under mission 1 of Food Vision 2030 to date; if he will outline the key performance indicators being used to track progress toward the 2030 targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36635/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFood Vision 2030 is Ireland’s stakeholder-led agri-food strategy, developed for the sector by the sector, with a vision for Ireland as a “World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems”. Working together, all the stakeholders have committed to transform our agriculture, food, forestry, and marine sectors to achieve environmental, economic and social sustainability. Food Vision was designed using a food systems approach, recognising the requirement to have greater policy coherence across agriculture, food, and the environment.
Food Vision 2030 has four high-level Missions, including “A Climate Smart, Environmentally Sustainable Agri-Food Sector”, which aims for a climate-neutral food system by 2050, with measurable progress by 2030. This includes emissions reductions, carbon sequestration, improvements in air quality, restoration and enhancement of biodiversity, improvements in water quality, development of diverse forests, enhanced seafood sustainability, exploring the bioeconomy and strengthening the Origin Green programme.
I recently chaired the 14th meeting of a High-Level Implementation Committee, established to monitor delivery. In terms of progress on this Mission, 50 actions (82%) are either complete or have substantial action undertaken and a further 11 actions (18%) have commenced and are progressing. The third Food Vision Annual Report will be published shortly, with the 2 previous annual reports published on my Department’s website.
A new Food Vision 2030 Dashboard has also been developed to monitor progress against a number of key performance indicators and is publicly available on my Department’s website. The key performance indicators included on the dashboard that are being used to track progress under Mission 1 include biogenic methane level, ammonia and nitrous oxide emissions, water quality, air quality, afforestation levels, level of organic farming, food waste statistics and the Origin Green programme. A biodiversity indicator is currently under development. In addition, a large number of key indicators identified by the Food Vision Environmental Working Sub-Group and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) are also included on the Food Vision Dashboard.
Key achievements to date under this Mission include the National Biomethane Strategy, the Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership (EIP), Ireland’s Forest Strategy 2023 – 2030, the National Bioeconomy Action Plan, the National Fertiliser Database, AgNav, the National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap, the 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan, the National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development, the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and the flagship environmental scheme, ACRES.
We will continue to work with all the stakeholders to achieve our Food Vision 2030 goals.
100. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when his Department will publish a plan on farm succession and generational renewal. [36528/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new Programme for Government emphasises “supporting inter-generational farm succession.” Food Vision 2030, our shared strategy for the agri-food sector, highlights that ensuring generational renewal in farming is vital for the sector’s long-term viability and social sustainability in rural Ireland.
Demographic challenges facing agriculture are not unique to Ireland; the difficulty of attracting young people into farming is a recognised issue at both national and EU levels, including in the recent EU Commission Vision for Agriculture and Food.Under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027, I am committing significant investment to promote generational renewal, with measures including:
• A Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers’ Scheme, supporting young farmers in establishing their businesses. Payments for 2024 under the CISYF began in early December 2024.
• The National Reserve 2023-2027, which offers support to two priority groups—Young Farmers and New Farmers—with approximately €3.1 million paid out for the 2024 scheme.
• Under the TAMS capital investment measure, a 60% grant rate for qualified young farmers remains available.
• A Collaborative Farming Grant Scheme to financially encourage partnerships between existing farmers and trained young farmers.
• The Succession Planning Advice Grant, which helps cover costs for independent legal and financial advice to older farmers planning succession.
In March, I announced that over €1.5 million has been allocated to three Generational Renewal projects under the European Innovation Partnership (EIP) measure of the CAP Strategic Plan.
Beyond the support measures available through the CSP, there are also comprehensive national taxation policies, access to finance supports, and extensive education and training programs.
Despite these substantial efforts, farm holder demographics are not improving, which demonstrates that farm succession is a complex issue influenced by numerous factors.
Last October, an independent Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming was established. The Commission is taking an objective, evidence-based approach examining the various factors involved that contribute to the age demographic in the sector. 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.
