Written Answers Nos. 101-120
101. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reasons behind ongoing delays in the issuing of basic income support for sustainability and areas of natural constraint payments to farmers, particularly in County Tipperary; the steps being taken to resolve processing backlogs and ensure timely payments going forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35595/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is fully committed to making payments to farmers under the various schemes at the earliest date possible and to the maximum number of farmers possible. This commitment to farmers is evidenced in the very high payment rates achieved across all schemes over the last number of years in both EU and Exchequer funded schemes. At EU level, Ireland ranks amongst the most efficient Member States in getting payments to farmers quickly and in line with the legal requirements of the relevant EU Regulation(s).
The 2024 payment dates for area-based schemes, which include the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme and the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) scheme were
• September 18th, 2024 - ANC Advance payments commenced.
• October 16th, 2024 – BISS Advance payments commenced.
• December 2nd, 2024 – Balancing payments commenced.
Commitments under the Farmers' Charter required that
• 90% of eligible ANC applicants be paid by September 20th 2024
• 90% of eligible BISS applicants be paid by October 16th 2024
Both of these Farmers Charter commitments were met.
Currently, 100% of eligible applicants have been paid under the ANC and 99.6% have been paid under the BISS, with the majority of the unpaid BISS requiring the applicant and/or their agent to provide further information to allow payment to issue.
The planned 2025 payment dates for the Areas of Natural Constraints scheme and the Basic Income Support for Sustainability scheme are
• September 17th, 2025 - ANC Advance payments commence.
• October 16th, 2025 – BISS Advance payments commence.
• December 1st, 2025 – Balancing payments commence
My Department expects to meet all Farmers' Charter commitments for these payments.
102. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline his Department’s plan to build support with his counterparts in the European Union member states for an urgent review of the impact of the Common Fisheries Policy, CFP, and the recent 12-year extension of the fisheries component of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and the UK, on the Irish fishing and seafood industry and to attain a fair share of the fish in Irish waters and other waters under the jurisdiction of the CFP and subject to this agreement with the UK, for the Irish industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36267/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the outcome of the EU-UK Summit on 19 May 2025, the EU and UK agreed to a 12-year extension of the current arrangements on fisheries, as set out in the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), which grants reciprocal access to waters.
The commitment to extend the reciprocal access for EU and UK vessels to fish in each other’s waters for the next 12 years, with no change to existing quota shares, is a significant result. This will provide certainty for our fishermen and women, and the wider seafood sector, allowing operators to make sustainable, long-term decisions for their businesses.
The time period covered by this agreement, up to June 2038, also ensures that responsible sustainable fishing practices, as agreed between the EU and the UK, will continue.
Without such an agreement, Irish fisheries would have the possibility of losing access to the waters every year after 2026.
Along with other Member States, Ireland fought hard and succeeded in achieving the 12 year time period and no additional transfer of quota to the UK. This positive outcome demonstrates what can be achieved when Member States stand together in solidarity.
It is evident that the fisheries environment, in the North East Atlantic and North Sea, has changed completely as a result of the UK’s withdrawal. The Common Fisheries Policy must take account of this new reality.
In light of this, Ireland has consistently called for the Commission to fully analyse and report on the impacts of Brexit on the Common Fisheries Policy, and in particular, the impact on the EU and Member States’ fishing opportunities as a result of quota transfers under the EU-UK Trade & Cooperation Agreement.
In March 2024, the Commission announced that an evaluation of the CFP would be carried out. That is currently underway and the report is expected next year.
My Department will continue work with like-minded Member States and the Commission to highlight the need for the CFP to take account of the new reality of our fisheries environment.
103. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the feasibility of a national wool scouring plant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36022/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government committed to examining the feasibility of a wool scouring plant in Ireland. Two research projects are currently underway to assess sustainable approaches to wool scouring in Ireland.
In 2024, my Department announced funding of €574,683 for the SPRING WOOL research project. Among other things, this project is examining the feasibility of a mobile wool scouring unit that is compliant with wastewater regulations. The treatment of wastewater from the scouring process is a major obstacle to the growth of the wool sector. The work is being coordinated by the Munster Technological University.
The second research project, Regenerative Value Systems for Irish Grown Wool in Ireland (REVEIRE), is funded by the Environment Protection Agency. This project is examining the economics of wool production within a circular bioeconomy. Key objectives are to investigate various business models for scalable scouring and to assess the potential for local scouring across the island of Ireland.
My Department will examine the outcome of both research projects which will help inform Government of the feasibility of establishing a scouring plant in Ireland.
104. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will introduce TAMS grant funding for goat herd owners in order that they can install suitable fencing and handling and housing facilities for their livestock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36294/25]
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. Grant aid support for goat housing is available under TAMS 3. In addition, the sheep handling facilities, which are also available under TAMS 3, would be suitable for goats, once the barriers around the handling unit are covered to prevent the goats from climbing.
TAMS 3 is a demand led scheme with significant budgetary constraints. As a result, it is not possible to consider adding additional items such as goat fencing to the comprehensive list of investment items already available under TAMS at this time. However such investment items may be included for consideration when evaluating further updates to the TAMS 3 investment lists.
I will ensure that the list of investment items will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis. The inclusion of further investment categories will, of course, be dependent on the availability of the required funding under the TAMS 3 schemes.
105. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline the ways in which he is supporting Irish wool and developing its market potential; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36343/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra109. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware that the prices farmers are receiving for wool is at an all-time low; the measures his Department will take to address this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36360/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 109 together.
A number of steps have been taken by my Department to support Irish wool and to develop new markets, one of which was an in-depth study of the Irish wool market called Review Of Market Opportunities For Irish-Grown Wool Based Products, which was published in 2022.
Following publication of the report, my Department allocated €30,000 in seed funding to support the establishment of the Irish Grown Wool Council, which was launched in 2023. This is an independent, industry-led group that aims to develop the Irish wool brand domestically and internationally and to encourage collaboration and innovation among stakeholders.
Research will play a major role in helping to add value to wool and my Department has allocated €574,683 in funding to the SPRING WOOL project. This is a Munster Technological University-led research project that focuses on removing obstacles to the sale of Irish wool and providing a springboard for innovation in the sector.
One strand of the research explores the treating of wastewater from scouring wool, while another examines re-purposing waste wool to create compost. The project will also study the use of wool in cosmetics, medical device and healthcare industries.
My Department is subsidising sheep shearing under the 2025 National Sheep Welfare Scheme which has attracted over 17,000 applicants to date and is worth €22 million to farmers this year.
The inclusion of the shearing action in the scheme is an animal welfare measure that will also incentivise farmers to present wool in the best possible condition at the farmgate.
In addition, farmers in the sheep sector are supported by a strong price profile of sheep meat which forecasts for 2025 indicated will remain high but not at the record 2024 prices.
All the steps taken by my Department are with a view to add value to wool by developing new markets and innovative solutions for this under utilised product.
106. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers who have taken up the TAMS grant to enable them to install solar panels on their farm, by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36513/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra124. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the overall value of TAMS grants to support the installation of solar panels on farms to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36514/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 124 together.
The 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.
The Solar Capital Investment Scheme (SCIS), which is a measure under TAMS 3, has proved extremely popular with 3,741 applications received across the first eight tranches of TAMS 3. A total of 923 applicants have successfully installed solar panels and submitted a payment claim.
Overall total grant aid of €12.6 million have issued to farmers in respect of the Solar Capital Investment Scheme in TAMS 3 with payments continuing to issue on a weekly basis.
TAMS3 - Solar Capital Investment Scheme
|
County |
Applications Received |
Approved |
Paid |
Amount Paid |
|
Carlow |
99 |
65 |
17 |
€285,669.78 |
|
Cavan |
148 |
96 |
27 |
€553,230.57 |
|
Clare |
147 |
96 |
36 |
€484,181.35 |
|
Cork |
531 |
371 |
98 |
€1,935,858.43 |
|
Donegal |
109 |
66 |
21 |
€279,215.55 |
|
Dublin |
33 |
22 |
8 |
€185,187.08 |
|
Galway |
167 |
100 |
30 |
€407,778.31 |
|
Kerry |
234 |
160 |
32 |
€405,688.31 |
|
Kildare |
105 |
74 |
22 |
€490,874.13 |
|
Kilkenny |
179 |
124 |
47 |
€1,088,359.58 |
|
Laois |
133 |
86 |
25 |
€374,464.29 |
|
Leitrim |
29 |
16 |
7 |
€49,671.29 |
|
Limerick |
213 |
118 |
19 |
€316,002.83 |
|
Longford |
63 |
42 |
10 |
€143,517.58 |
|
Louth |
47 |
30 |
11 |
€263,403.29 |
|
Mayo |
101 |
55 |
17 |
€153,829.27 |
|
Meath |
199 |
127 |
39 |
€823,354.86 |
|
Monaghan |
190 |
139 |
32 |
€817,550.74 |
|
Offaly |
87 |
63 |
19 |
€238,762.77 |
|
Roscommon |
62 |
38 |
14 |
€160,443.68 |
|
Sligo |
48 |
25 |
7 |
€80,960.78 |
|
Tipperary |
321 |
194 |
44 |
€820,314.69 |
|
Waterford |
133 |
92 |
23 |
€565,484.29 |
|
Westmeath |
81 |
63 |
17 |
€278,297.29 |
|
Wexford |
208 |
153 |
58 |
€1,078,182.23 |
|
Wicklow |
74 |
55 |
21 |
€382,547.93 |
|
Totals |
3741 |
2470 |
701 |
€12,662,830.90 |
107. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he has taken to taken to encourage landowners and Coillte to increase the percentage of native and other non-deciduous trees that are planted annually. [35135/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new Forestry Strategy for Ireland, which was published in September 2023 is committed to the right trees in the right places for the right reasons and with the right management. The current €1.3 billion funded Forestry Programme 2023-2027 is key to the implementation of this strategy.
The annual broadleaf target for this Forestry Programme has increased from 30% to 50% of total annual planting. This is reflected in a substantial increase of 66% in premium rates for the establishment of a native forest with €1,103 per hectare available to plant native forests and €1,142 per hectare payable for native forests for water over a period of 15 or 20 years. The programme also contains a new Native Tree Area Scheme, which builds on a recent amendment to the Forestry Act 2014 that removed the licensing requirement for the planting of native woodland in areas not greater than one hectare. This aims to increase and encourage interest in small-scale planting and offers premiums of up to €2,284 for 10 years.
Should landowners who planted conifers when they established their forests, wish to replant with native trees after their harvest, they can apply to the new Climate Resilient Reforestation (CRR) Pilot Scheme.
Coillte’s Forestry Strategic Vision to 2050 is closely aligned to our National Forest Strategy and includes an ambition for Coillte to enable the creation of new forests, half of which will be native woodlands. In addition, Coillte aim at increasing the area of the estate managed primarily for nature from 20 to 30% by the end of 2025 and to 50% in the long-term.
Broadleaf planting in 2024 was 55% of the total area planted and to the end of May 2025 stood at 68% of 2025 planting.
Afforestation is a voluntary land use choice for landowners, building confidence among landowners of the benefits of forestry is key to increasing afforestation rates. To encourage uptake, we have engaged in extensive promotion of the new forestry options, including such native planting using all possible means of communication. I am committed to the promotion of all forestry options and have recently made personal contact with holders of unused planting licences. I am confident that the schemes we are offering for native woodland establishment will support all landowners who wish to provide lasting benefits to society, especially in terms of biodiversity, through the planting of native trees.
108. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if any proposed cuts to CAP, likely to be made from the EU portion of the Pillar 2 payment, will be covered by the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36522/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFunding of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), forms part of the broader EU budget (Multiannual Financial Framework or MFF) which is negotiated by Finance Ministers and agreed by Heads of State and Government at the European Council. The European Commission is expected to set out proposals for the next MFF in July. Commission proposals for CAP post-2027 negotiations are likely to follow shortly after, with negotiations on both the future MFF and future CAP running in parallel.
Achieving an adequate and dedicated CAP Budget, and retaining the full toolbox of support measures under Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 is a priority. It will be challenging, given the other new pressures on the EU Budget and proposals for new MFF funding structures. I am working closely with colleagues across Government, and with my counterparts in other Member States, to underline:
• the importance of food security to EU autonomy and security;
• the vital role farming and food plays in our rural economies and communities;
• and the important contribution farming and food makes to EU competitiveness, innovation, and climate and biodiversity ambitions.
As CAP and MFF negotiations progress, Ireland will continue to advocate for a simplified, well-funded and adaptable CAP framework that supports farm resilience, environmental ambition, and rural development. The question of national co-funding will arise when negotiations are finalised and the new Common Agricultural Policy is implemented.
110. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if, given the tillage sector is coming under increasing pressure from input costs and low prices, he will outline any proposed support packages for tillage farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36378/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government recognises the importance of the sector and wants to grow the area under tillage crops in the years ahead.
I understand the pressures that the sector has faced in recent years, and in particular, the downward pressure on grain prices, including for harvest 2025, following trends in international grain commodity markets. This year has thankfully been more favourable for getting crops planted with winter sown crops for 2025 harvest looking to have very good yield potential. While spring crops are more variable with some crops being impacted by weather conditions after sowing, hopefully the weather from now through to harvest will allow all crops to reach their full potential
Recognising the challenges faced by the sector, my Department has provided significant support to tillage farmers in recent years.
Looking to 2025, the budget for Protein Aid has increased to €10m annually from 2024. Applications for over 66,000 hectares of cereals and oilseed rape straw were submitted for chopping and incorporating in 2025 under the Straw Incorporation measure. I have committed to paying all farmers who have applied under the Scheme. I have made this decision early to give certainty to farmers while also giving them an economic boost.
In February this year, I announced €32.4 million of payments under the Tillage and Horticulture Support Scheme which was Government’s response to the difficult position tillage and horticultural farmers found themselves in due to exceptionally poor weather and continued high input costs last Spring. This exceeds the €30 million provided for in the 2025 Budget, but I was anxious that we would be able to make the payment on every hectare of eligible ground.
The tillage sector is also being supported under other schemes including the Tillage Capital Investment Scheme, ACRES, the Organic Farming Scheme and the Water Quality EIP.
I will continue to work with the tillage sector and provide targeted support given the importance of the sector within the wider agricultural industry, and to deliver on the commitment in the Programme for Government to invest significantly in the tillage sector over the next five years.
111. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will mandate his Department to work collaboratively with other State agencies to address the environmental degradation of Lady's Island Lake, County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36020/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am fully committed to engaging with my colleague, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, on this matter.
My Department engaged in an inter-departmental meeting with Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Local Authorities Waters Programme or LAWPRO, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Wexford County Council last week on this topic. During that meeting, my Department confirmed our commitment to fully engage with the relevant local authority and all state agencies as we seek to address the challenges facing our Lady's Island Lake.
Indeed, my Department had a further meeting earlier this week with Wexford County Council, who are leading on the project.
112. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline the current funding allocation for TAMS 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35606/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) provides grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings. There is an indicative budget of €440 million available for the period 2021-2027, and all investments must be linked to Climate, Environment or Animal Welfare.
Overall, a total of 45,274 applications were submitted in the first eight tranches of TAMS 3, which includes the latest tranche which closed for applications on 6 June 2025. To date a total of over €74.3 million have issued to farmers under TAMS 3, with payments continuing to issue on a weekly basis.
TAMS is a demand-led scheme with a defined budgetary allocation. In view of the fact that we are now just halfway through the current CAP Strategic Plan (CSP), it is prudent that I am mindful of the budget available for the remaining TAMS Tranches. In order to ensure that the available budget is distributed fairly over the remainder of the CSP period, it may be necessary to limit the number of approved applications per tranche going forward by applying ranking and selection criteria, including for the upcoming Tranche 9, which opened on 7 June and will close on 6 September. I will ensure this will be kept under ongoing review for the remainder of the CSP.
113. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of the most recent discussions at the EU Agriculture Council in relation to the future funding of CAP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36646/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is a key responsibility of Government to raise Ireland's concerns with our EU partners and to influence EU policy. As set out in the Programme for Government, the Government will continue to work with EU institutions and Member States to ensure robust funding for the CAP so that it meets both new challenges and opportunities.
The CAP has supported Irish farmers and rural development over many decades. A well-funded CAP is essential in supporting farm incomes and food security, while contributing meaningfully to wider EU objectives, including on climate, biodiversity and innovation. Currently, the CAP is being delivered in Ireland through the CAP Strategic Plan for the period 2023-2027 with a budget of €9.8 billion over those five years. I am determined that CAP will continue to play a positive role in supporting Irish farmers, the food industry and rural communities and the wider economy into the future.
The European Commission is due to set out proposals for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) in mid-2025. Negotiations on the MFF proposals will subsequently commence and will likely run in parallel to the CAP post-2027 negotiations. The exact timing of the Commission's proposals for post-2027 CAP remains to be confirmed. These proposals will be negotiated by Finance Ministers and ultimately agreed by Heads of State.
As Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, I am working closely with the EU institutions and with my counterparts in other Member States to influence the negotiations for the next CAP.
I have and will continue to meet monthly with my counterparts in the Council of the European Union as well as in bilateral discussions. On the 3rd of June I signed a Joint Declaration with 19 EU counterparts reflecting our shared agreement to maintaining an autonomous strategic and independent CAP in the next MFF post 2027.
I will continue to engage with Christophe Hansen, the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, and my fellow EU Ministers on these issues. I assure the Deputy that I will prioritise these engagements at European level, particularly in preparation for Ireland’s Presidency of the EU in the second half of 2026.
The CAP is central to the EU’s success in ensuring food security, supporting farm incomes and developing rural areas. The CAP also remains critical to the agri-food sector’s resilience and competitiveness, as it has since Ireland joined the EU more than fifty years ago.
As CAP and MFF negotiations progress, Ireland will continue to advocate for a simplified, well-funded and adaptable CAP framework that supports farm resilience, environmental ambition, and rural development. Ireland will play a key role in these negotiations in the run up to and during our Presidency of the EU in the second half of 2026.
114. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are plans for further supports or funding to be made available for structural damage to farm buildings during Storm Éowyn, where an application was not made during the emergency TAMS 3 tranche, or whether there is another existing scheme to which farmers can apply for funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36662/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) provides grant aid to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings, many of which will assist in making farms more resilient in the face of future storms.
Applications are currently being accepted for tranche 9 of the scheme, which includes investment items that were available under the emergency tranche, which closed in at the end of March.
In addition to the range of over 400 investments that are currently available in TAMS 3, and to aid further resilience on farm holdings, I recently announced plans to introduce grant aid support under TAMS for replacement of roofs. The application process for this specific investment will be available later this year, when systems are developed. In the meantime, I would urge farmers to carry out a structural assessment of their farm buildings.
I believe that the suite of measures currently available in TAMS 3 is the best mechanism for ensuring that funding is targeted at the most appropriate enterprises. I will also ensure that investment items and ceilings for grant aid will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis, however any additions/increases will be dependent on the availability of the required funding.
115. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to implement the National Women in Agriculture Action Plan to support gender equality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36525/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAdvancing the role of women in the agriculture sector is a key priority for me and was included in the Programme for Government. The delivery of the National Dialogue on Women in Agriculture and publication of an Action Plan arising from that dialogue were two major milestones in progressing this aim.
The Women in Agriculture Working Group was established to oversee implementation of the Action Plan. The Group comprises a range of sector representatives to facilitate and guide the progress of the Plan. All 12 actions have been commenced, with six complete or nearing completion and the remaining six progressing well, including:
• The delivery of a series of information and networking events to support women in increasing their knowledge, expanding their networks and engaging directly with mentors to promote increased participation and leadership in the sector.
• A submission to the National Council for Curriculum Assessment, to encourage the incorporation of additional material on women and girls in agriculture in the curriculum.
• A “Women in Agriculture Studies Gender Excellence Award”, sponsored by my Department, awarded in conjunction with the UCD School of Agri-Food & Science in March of this year.
• A review of scheme terms and conditions and eligibility criteria to ensure gender balance and equality of participation by female farmers. A guidance document and checklist have been created for my Department to ensure best practice when formulating scheme documentation.
• A review of my Department’s herd number application process was conducted. Following stakeholder consultation, updated information, a new guidance document and new application forms were published on my Department’s website.
• A dedicated “Women in Agriculture” page has been established on my Department's website as a central information and education resource.
• A “Spotlight on Female-Led Sustainability” booklet has been developed to highlight and promote the contributions of women across the sector, and publication is scheduled for mid-July 2025.
Additionally, following the launch of the Action Plan, State Boards were encouraged to promote gender-balance strategies within their organisations and sub-sectors, with positive updates to date from key organisations including Bord Bia, Teagasc, and Coillte.
I am committed to implementation of the Action Plan and progressing initiatives to improve the lived experience of women and young girls in Irish agriculture.
116. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if, given that TB reactors are now at a critical level, affecting farmers across the country, he will outline any support packages to combat the rise of TB in herds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36377/25]
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.
In addition to the compensation package for eligible reactor animals that are removed during a TB breakdown, my Department operates three supplementary 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.
The 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.
The best way to reduce the burden of TB on farm families is to reduce its incidences. I am committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure that we all ensure all steps necessary to control this disease are taken.
117. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to support intergenerational farm transfer through the next CAP policy cycle; whether he is considering a dedicated farm succession scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36658/25]
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, my Department is making significant investments to support generational renewal through the following:
• 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.
In addition to CSP supports, a comprehensive suite of national measures also exist including taxation incentives, improved access to finance, and comprehensive education and training opportunities.
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.
118. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the work of the wool council; and the actions the council has taken in order to further utilise and increase the value of wool. [36362/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe independent Irish Grown Wool Council was established in April 2023 following recommendations from the Wool Feasibility study. To support its establishment, my Department committed financial assistance of €30,000 in seed funding. My Department does not have a seat on the Irish Grown Wool Council, nor does the Council report to me.
To date, €25,910 of the allocated seed funding has been drawn down. The Irish Grown Wool Council is an independent body which does not come under the aegis of my Department. In the Programme for Government, there is a commitment to support the Irish Grown Wool Council through supporting Culture, Creativity and the Arts.
119. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the guidance and supports available to hill farmers who are unable to carry out controlled burning due to weather conditions within the legal window; and whether he will consider a flexible burning scheme or pilot. [36152/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraHill farming and the management of uplands comes with its own unique challenges. As Minister I fully appreciate that the mechanical methods of managing vegetation on low land may not be a practical option for many upland areas where tractors cannot travel to top or mulch strong vegetation. Controlled burning therefore has a role to play as part of an overall management package. However, burning of any lands needs to be done in the correct manner and in full compliance with national legislation.
Under Section 40 of the Wildlife Act, 1976, as amended by the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, growing vegetation cannot be burnt between 1 March and 31 August of any given year (the closed period), on any land not yet cultivated.
Furthermore, where land has been burned between 1 March and 31 August, it is not in a state suitable for grazing or cultivation and therefore is not eligible for area-based payments such as the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) for the remainder of the year.
To assist farmers my Department has produced a Prescribed Burning Code of Practice in order to provide guidance to landowners who use controlled burning as a land management tool and a shorter version previously issued to farmers in high fire risk areas throughout the country . Both publications are available on my Department’s website or from the Forestry Division Johnstown Castle, Co Wexford (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/publications/fire-management/).
As I have already stated the closed period for burning is set out in national legislation. This legislation is the responsibility of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and any changes would be a matter for them but it is not a change that I would advocate for at this point.
For farmers in upland areas who are struggling to maintain their lands I would encourage them to explore with their agricultural advisor alternatives means of control. This may involve mechanical methods or changes in stocking patterns. As with all lands it is important that the maintenance activities employed by the farmer are designed with the local conditions in mind to ensure that best outcome for the lands and which take account of all the relevant regulatory requirements.
120. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 319 of 1 May 2025 and 132 of 20 May 2025, given it is over a year since the closure of the public consultation on trawling within Ireland's six-nautical-mile limit, and given that trawling continues to take place in inshore waters, some of which are special areas of conservation, when the results of the public consultation will be published; when he will make a decision on the matter; if he is committed to implementing the commitment made in the programme for Government to promote the sustainability of Ireland's fish stocks and to support the inshore fishing sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36344/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for her 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.
