Tuesday, 30 Sep 2025

Agriculture Schemes

Ceisteanna (754)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

754. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware that farmers in an area (details supplied) are receiving letters from his Department seeking to reduce their BISS due to an incident outside of their control; if he will ensure farmers are not punished and that these reductions in farm payments are disregarded and payments are made as normal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51803/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

In general, land burnt during the closed season (March 1st to August 31st) is not eligible for the purpose of payment under the BISS or any other area based scheme.

My Department actively identifies areas of burnt land declared for area based schemes, and in particular land that is burned during the closed season. Where land is identified as having been burned during the closed season no payment will issue on this land and in some cases an additional penalty will apply. In all of these cases my staff write to the applicant advising them of the change of the eligibility of the land and giving them the right of review for the land in question.

Where an applicant considers the burning of the land may be as a result of force majeure or exceptional circumstances, they need to request a review as outlined in their notification letter.

In such cases the applicant should seek the review from my Department in writing within 15 working days of the date of being in a position to do so (if the application has been submitted) or at the same time as you submit your application online (if the application has not been submitted).

My Department carefully examines each request on a case-by-case basis and where adequate proof is provided that force majeure or exceptional circumstances prevailed, penalties will not normally apply. Examples might include documentary evidence of the steps taken to prevent or lessen the effect of these circumstances. If an applicant’s land has been burned maliciously then they will need to provide evidence that they reported this to An Garda Síochána or their local Fire Service. Full Guidance can be found in the Terms and Conditions of the BISS and other 2025 Area Based Schemes available on my Departments website at Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) Scheme.

Fishing Industry

Ceisteanna (755)

Aidan Farrelly

Ceist:

755. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of vacant retail units in each fisheries harbour centre under the remit of his Department, and the current condition of each unit, in tabular form. [51837/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department owns, operates, develops and maintains six designated State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres (FHCs), located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros An Mhíl, under statute.

Properties vested in me by virtue of the 1968 Fishery Harbour Centres Act are to be used for such purposes connected with the improvement and development of the fish industry and the provision, improvement and development of services ancillary to or connected with the fish industry. Therefore, the FHCs contain a diverse property portfolio reflecting their role as working fishery harbours and as the location for a broad range of other marine activities. As such, property units are not strictly or solely for retail use.

I can assure the Deputy that vacant properties are regularly reviewed by my Department to assess their suitability for making them available for tender to interested applicants and to provide rental income for the Fishery Harbour Centres Fund.

There are currently 11 vacant properties across the six harbours, some of which are being prepared for open tender, and others which have recently come back into my Department’s possession and are undergoing remedial works.

In addition, while there may be properties within the FHCs which appear vacant, these properties are either legally occupied or, in a limited number of cases, subject to legal proceedings.

The following table outlines the location and the status of the vacant properties.

Location	Site	Current Status
Castletownbere	1 unit	Vacant – almost ready for tender
Killybegs	1 unit	Vacant – remedial works required prior to tender
Howth	5 units	Vacant – awaiting valuation
Howth	2 units	Vacant – remedial works required prior to tender
Ros an Mhíl	2 units	Vacant – ready for tender

Food Safety

Ceisteanna (756)

Martin Kenny

Ceist:

756. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if food that is recalled for reason of an outbreak of disease, or suspicion of an outbreak of disease, is disposed of; how it is disposed of; and if there is transparent oversight of its disposal. [51894/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Food produced at establishments approved by my Department that is recalled by reason of confirmation of the presence of microorganisms linked to food borne disease must be declared unfit for human consumption. This recalled food must be disposed of under Animal By-Product Regulation 1069/2009 if it is of animal origin. This means that it must be sent to an animal by-product handling facility.

The handling and disposal of animal by-products including recalled foods is verified by my Department as part of its official controls.

Agriculture Industry

Ceisteanna (757)

Ryan O'Meara

Ceist:

757. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to extend the slurry spreading period by a week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51908/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage is responsible for the Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters Regulations 2022 (SI 113 of 2022, as amended).

Under these Regulations the closed period for applying slurry to land now commences on the 1st of October annually.

In 2022 the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, following consultation with my Department, published the scientific criteria that must be considered before granting any extension to the slurry spreading season. Due to the increased risk of loss of nutrients to water at this time of year these criteria are designed to only apply in justified exceptional circumstances.

The weather in 2025 has been good, with the warmest and sunniest spring on record with rainfall below average everywhere providing good slurry spreading conditions. The summer months have also provided good opportunities for slurry spreading with indications it may be the warmest summer on record with rainfall levels nationally close to, or slightly below, average.

There is now a significantly increased focus on water quality across the entire agri-food sector.

Part of these efforts relate to improved timing of nutrient application to align with the crop's needs and maximising the value of the nutrients present in organic manures. As articulated by Teagasc, slurry should be spread when the potential for Nitrogen losses is low and the uptake of nutrients by a growing crop is high. These conditions typically occur in the Spring, and not the Autumn, where reducing sunshine hours increasingly limit growth and increase the risk of nutrient loss.

Farmers have been making great strides in implementing actions at farm level to improve water quality and the Government is providing strong incentives to support this work which is underpinned by science. It is important that this national effort to improve water quality continues.

The relevant scientific criteria do not support an extension to the slurry spreading deadline this year. The closed period for slurry application will begin on the 1st of October as provided for in the Regulations.

Animal Diseases

Ceisteanna (758, 759)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

758. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration will be given to a review being undertaken on the current TB income supplement scheme, in particular in respect of the criteria where income supplement is payable in cases where disease breakdown results in the removal of at least 9.5% of dairy cows in a herd in the relevant restriction period, given that this percentage threshold is not reflective in real terms of large farm holdings who fall short of same and incur a huge financial loss with no compensation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51983/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Colm Burke

Ceist:

759. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if regular reviews are being undertaken by his Department on the criteria, terms and conditions of TB compensation schemes, in view of the prevalence of TB outbreaks nationally and the increased need for financial supports for affected farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51984/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I propose to take Questions Nos. 758 and 759 together.

My 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.

As the Deputy may be aware, 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 issues ‘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. My Department is given the right to appeal valuations just as affected herdowner/keepers have such a right.

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 certain ceiling limits.

Animal Type	Ceiling per animal
Pedigree cows & pedigree in calf heifers	€5000 each
Three pedigree stock bulls allowed in the same breakdown episode	€5000 each
Any other individual bovine animal	€3,000 each

The ceilings are also detailed on page six of the TB Compensation booklet which a herdowner receives at the start of a breakdown.

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.

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.

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, over the last two years there were rate enhancements to the Income Supplement Scheme, the Hardship Grant and the Depopulation Grant as well as enhanced ceilings for select animals being removed as part of the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme. In addition, the Financial Working Group also expanded the eligibility criteria under the Income Supplement Scheme and Hardship Grant Schemes.

Due to the increased cost of the bTB programme in recent years, the focus is on reducing the levels of disease which will reduce the impact of bTB on Irish farm families and reduce the cost of the programme which has risen to over €100 million in 2024.

Question No. 759 answered with Question No. 758.

Animal Welfare

Ceisteanna (760)

Emer Currie

Ceist:

760. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline the Government’s plans in relation to chicken welfare; if his Department has a specific roadmap for aligning with European Food Safety Agency’s proposed poultry welfare standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52122/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

There is detailed European Union and Irish legislation in place on the protection of broiler chickens which sets out specific requirements that must be met by anyone keeping commercial broiler flocks. Trained Veterinary Inspectors from my Department carry out risk-based inspections of a selection of flocks each year to check compliance with these requirements. The inspections are carried out in line with detailed, recently reviewed Standard Operating Procedures, using species-specific checklists. Where a non-compliance with the legislation is found, these are acted upon to ensure they are addressed.

Under the EU’s Farm to Fork Strategy, the European Commission committed to revising all of the EU animal welfare legislation including the broiler welfare legislation. The most recent European Food Safety (EFSA) opinions on animal welfare, including the 2023 opinion on broiler welfare will feed into this review. I am supportive of this review provided any new legislative proposals are practical, grounded in science and include reasonable supports and transition periods for farmers. We await those proposals from the Commission and will, when finalised, align our policy on broiler welfare as appropriate.

Mother and Baby Homes

Ceisteanna (761)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

761. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of applications to date received for the mother and baby payments scheme; the number of applications approved; the amount paid to date on payments alone, excluding medical cards, administration, operational costs, communications, publicity and legal costs; the total amount to date paid out in medical cards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51138/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality

The Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme opened for applications in March 2024. As at 22 September, over 6,800 applications have been received.

Just under 6,200 Notices of Determination have issued to applicants, over 83% of which contain an offer of benefits under the Scheme. Applicants then have 6 months in which to consider and accept their offer. The total amount which has been paid out to date in general and work related payments is over €73 million. Additionally, €1.3 million has been paid out towards the costs of medical cards for more than 2,000 eligible applicants and a further €1.9 million has been paid out in health-support payments to applicants living overseas.

All information on the Scheme, including how to apply, can be found at the dedicated Payment Scheme website which includes a booklet, questions and answers, and short 'how to' videos on the application process. A Helpline is also available at +353 1 522 9992. Overall, we have received positive feedback that applicants are finding the application process straightforward and the information line helpful.

The department also publishes summary statistics on the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme every month on its website, available here - www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/campaigns/mother-and-baby-institutions-payment-scheme/#payment-scheme-statistics-summary

Mother and Baby Homes

Ceisteanna (762)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

762. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality when the 12 month review of the mother and baby payments scheme will commence; the make up the review panel; if she is considering expanding the scheme to include those previously excluded; the length of time she envisages the review will take; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51139/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality

The Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme opened for applications in March 2024.

The underpinning legislation for the Scheme provides for a number of reports and reviews to be produced. Section 48 provides for two reviews into the operation of the Scheme to be completed. The first review is to be completed within six months of the Scheme’s second anniversary, by September 2026.

This review has not yet commenced but it is anticipated that preparatory work for it will begin in the near future.

In advance of this review, it would be premature to consider changes to eligibility at this time.

It is acknowledged that some survivors are not eligible for the Scheme and are disappointed by this. However, it should be noted that the Payment Scheme is just one of a large suite of actions being undertaken to respond to the legacy of these institutions under the Action Plan for Survivors and Former Residents of Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions.

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality

As this question relates to operational information held by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, the question has been referred to the Agency to reply directly to the Deputy.

Disabilities Assessments

Ceisteanna (770)

Michael Cahill

Ceist:

770. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to ensure that all public buildings, GP surgeries, churches, bars, restaurants, etc. have adequate accessible toilets, i.e raised toilet seats; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51341/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Children, Disability and Equality

I thank the Deputy for this question in relation to the provision of accessible toilet facilities. I know from my engagement with disabled people that this is a critical issue when it comes to accessing vital services and participation in social and cultural life.

Government launched the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, which is Ireland’s comprehensive plan to advance the realisation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Strategy will advance delivery on targeted actions that collectively capture the full range of issues impacting on the lives of disabled people, including accessibility of the built environment. Under the Strategy, there will be more coordinated action on accessibility across government, with greater awareness of good practice in Universal Design, good practice in the built environment, in how we provide information to the public, including through information and communications technologies, and in the design and delivery of services.

The accessibility of public spaces, including through the provision of dignified and sanitary toilet facilities, is very important in ensuring that disabled people can participate and thrive within their own communities. Part 3 of the Disability Act, 2005, places an obligation on public bodies to make their buildings and services accessible. Section 25 of the Act states that where Part M Building Regulations 1997 is amended, public buildings shall be brought into compliance with any amendments not later than ten years after the commencement of that amendment.

In terms of the policy direction and support provided by government, in 2022, Part M was amended to make provision for Changing Places Toilets in certain buildings. This was an important step towards improving community participation and social inclusion for disabled people. The Universal Design Guidelines for Changing Places Toilets launched by the NDA in June 2024 is also an important development as it provides additional guidance on the design, management and maintenance of changing places toilets beyond the scope of the building regulations. Changing Places toilets are an important instrument for accessibility, ensuring greater accessibility of sanitary facilities to disabled people in ways that enhance individual privacy, safety and dignity. Potential users include individuals with complex care needs, people who require the assistance of carers and personal assistants, motorised wheelchair users and people who need to use hoists.

Decisions regarding the provision of Changing Places Toilets can reside with a number of bodies or persons. Depending on the location it will most likely be the relevant public body, often the local authority, or will be a private matter for a relevant property owner.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (771)

Aidan Farrelly

Ceist:

771. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the amount expended on cloud storage solutions in the past five years and to date in 2025; and if she will provide the data storage supplier, in tabular form. [51357/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality

I wish to inform the deputy that the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE) had no spend on cloud storage solutions in the past five years, or to date in 2025.

While DCDE makes use of systems which incorporate cloud functionality, it should be noted that no specific cloud solution for the defined purpose of storage has been in use in DCDE in the past five years or to date in 2025.

This is in line with guidance from the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer and the National Cyber Security Centre on ICT policy, security, and infrastructure matters.

Childcare Services

Ceisteanna (772)

James Geoghegan

Ceist:

772. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to review matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51476/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality

Many families avail of the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) as a way to reduce the cost of their early learning and childcare. NCS subsidies are awarded as an hourly rate, along with a maximum number of weekly hours that the subsidy will be paid for. It is between the parent and provider to agree on the hours of childcare based on the family's requirements and what sessions the provider can offer.

As part of NCS rules, if a child attends fewer than their agreed hours for a consecutive 8-week period, a warning will issue to the parent alerting them to the situation. At this point, if the child attends their agreed hours for a full week after this warning is issued, then no further action is taken. It is only if the under-attendance continues for a further four weeks that the number of subsidised hours awarded under the Scheme will be revised to reflect the average number of hours that were actually attended by the child over the previous 12-week period.

To be clear, this means a child can under-attend for a total of 12 consecutive weeks before the subsidy is adjusted. If the child attends full hours for even one week in a 12-week span, the subsidy will remain as normal.

This is a key financial and governance control to ensure that Exchequer funding is used responsibly, and not to fund full-time places in respect of a child actually attending part-time hours.

Finally, I would note that the Department will soon commence an evaluation of the NCS. This will include consultation and engagement with parents, educators and representative organisations. This evaluation will examine how the NCS is performing currently and identify ways in which the NCS can better support families. As part of this evaluation, the hours-based model of the NCS will be reviewed.

Budget 2026

Ceisteanna (773)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

773. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will support in Budget 2026 the raising of disability allowance, domiciliary care allowance, and carer’s allowance by at least €50 per week and introduce a permanent cost of disability payment; fund key priorities in the action plan for disability services 2024 to 2026, with a focus on personal assistance, independent living, and community supports, to help 300 people move into their own homes; allocate €1 million for disability and human rights training for teachers and special needs assistants; increase funding to the National Advocacy Service by €1 million, to reduce waiting lists and help reach underrepresented groups in need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51499/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality

As the Deputy will be aware, engagement is ongoing at present in relation to the Estimates and Budgetary process for 2026. This will inform the finalisation of the Estimate for the DCDE Vote for 2026 and the final position will be announced in the Budget communications / speeches on Budget Day. Pending completion of this process, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage on matters regarding this process or funding allocations for the coming year.

However, it is important to note that there has been significant investment in specialist disability services in recent years with a budget of €3.2bn made available in 2025. This represents an increase of 11.6% over the 2024 budget and a €1.2bn increase in investment since 2020.

The Action Plan for Disability Services 2024-2026, published in December 2023, represents a national strategy for capacity increases and service and policy reform in disability services. It was informed primarily by findings from the Disability Capacity Review, published in 2021.

It is important to note that funding was provided in Budget 2024 and Budget 2025 to expand services in line with the Action Plan. This has provided for additional residential places in the community, expansion of respite services, Day Service places for school leavers, hiring of staff for CDNTs and additional hours of PA and Home Support. However, there is of course much more still to be done.

Progress to date on the Action Plan is captured in progress reports which are published at the link below. A report detailing the full year progress in 2024 is nearing completion and will be published soon.

See: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/action-plan-for-disability-services-2024-2026-publications/

In relation to the other measures referred to in the Deputy's question, on 3rd September last, I was delighted to launch the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030. Fulfilling a key Programme for Government commitment, the publication of this Strategy provides a whole-of-government framework for coordinated action on disability across the system, embedding mechanisms for joined-up approaches to the delivery of vital services and supports.

Whilst acknowledging it is incumbent upon all departments and agencies to advance rights in the execution of their everyday functions, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Strategy will be delivered on a sectoral basis with relevant departments and agencies cooperating for the delivery of the actions across their respective remits.

Under Pillar One on Inclusive Learning and Education, priority action is detailed for the development of an integrated professional development plan on inclusive learning and education for teacher education, to be delivered by the Department of Education and Youth, including with respect to funding.

Furthermore, issues related to the disability support payments as detailed by the Deputy fall to the remit of the Minister for Social Protection, whose department will also lead on a whole-of-government initiative, under the Strategy, to address the Cost of Disability. Funding for the National Advocacy Service is also the responsibility of the Department of Social Protection.