Written Answers Nos. 480-497
480. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether the Asian hornet monitoring programme includes dedicated resourcing for ports in response to recent sightings of the Asian hornet. [52933/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Asian Hornet, an invasive species, falls under the responsibility of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The NPWS leads on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species and my Department engages regularly with the NPWS and the National Biodiversity Data Centre regarding the threat of the Asian Hornet.
My Department operates the Asian Hornet Monitoring Programme which is a voluntary programme for beekeepers, established to assist in the early detection of the Asian Hornet. Programme participants are provided with Asian Hornet traps and attractant free of charge. Participants are required to monitor their trap on a regular basis. If a sighting of an Asian Hornet is suspected/trapped, participants can report their sighting to the Department and suspect specimens can be submitted to our Plant Health Laboratory for confirmation. Beekeepers from areas considered to present an increased risk of the introduction of exotic pests e.g. in the vicinity of ports are particularly encouraged to participate in this programme.
Asian Hornet traps have also been deployed to our main Border Control Posts. Further traps may be deployed if required based on the available data and evidence and in consultation with the Asian Hornet Management Group (AHMG) which is chaired by the NPWS.
481. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will seek to have the National Ploughing Championships hosted in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53065/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Ploughing Association, who organise the annual National Ploughing Championships, have announced in recent days that the event will return to Screggan, Co. Offaly in 2026.
The National Ploughing Association is an independent organisation and not under the remit of my department.
482. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of non-coursing greyhounds whose year of birth was 2021 that were active on the race management system between the dates of 14 August 2025 and 24 September 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53070/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a commercial state body established under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The questions raised by the Deputy are an operational matter for RCÉ and therefore have been referred to that body for direct reply.
483. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he accepts that the tillage sector is experiencing a prolonged period of challenges; the efforts he is making to support the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53135/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI fully recognise the challenges the tillage sector has faced in recent years, not least the challenging market outlook and downward price pressure this season. In light of this I have recently engaged directly with stakeholders to hear their concerns.
This Government recognises the importance of the tillage sector and wants to grow the area under tillage crops to 400,000 hectares by 2030. In recognition of the sector’s importance, my Department has provided significant direct supports to tillage farmers in recent years. 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 applied under the Scheme.
In February this year, I announced €32.4 million of payments under the Tillage and Horticulture Support Scheme.
The Farming for Water EIP has a budget of €60m to support targeted on-farm additional measures to improve water quality, including establishment of cover crops. This year, over 1,400 tillage farmers have expressed an interest in establishing cover crops under the EIP. The tillage sector is also being supported under other schemes, including the Tillage Capital Investment Scheme, ACRES and the Organic Farming Scheme.
The Food Vision Tillage Group report identifies opportunities to grow the sector and to further improve its environmental footprint. My Department continues to engage with stakeholders to progress the actions in the report, and as it is an industry report, its implementation will require collaboration and sustained effort from all stakeholders.
This Government remains fully committed to the tillage sector.
484. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will respond to reports that Ireland will have to use more than 75 per cent of its allocation from the Regional and National Partnership Plan (NRPP) to maintain the CAP budget at its 2027 level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53136/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 16 July 2025, the European Commission launched its proposals for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) and Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) for the period 2028 to 2034.
These proposals represent a fundamental change in how the future CAP will operate. Pillars I and II are to be replaced by a single framework under the National and Regional Partnership Plan (NRPP), with CAP measures to be delivered as part of that wider structure.
Ireland has been allocated €11.4bn for its NRPP which will include a ringfenced amount of €8.16 billion for CAP. This represents 76% of the CAP budget for Ireland in the current round (€10.7 billion). The Commission have indicated that Member States will be able to top up CAP interventions from their total NRPP budget.
There is a long way to go in these negotiations, and these proposals are a starting point only. It is my intention to seek an increase in CAP funding to ensure an adequate allocation for Ireland as we progress through the detailed budget negotiations, which at the end of the day must be agreed by Heads of State and Government in the European Council.
Ireland will continue to engage actively and constructively in the negotiations. But I will be clear in defending our priorities: a CAP that is workable and flexible, that balances economic, social, and environmental sustainability, and that is backed by adequate EU funding.
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 and the next CFP. I will continue to meet with my counterparts at monthly meetings of the AgriFish Council, as well as in bilateral discussions. 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.
485. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if additional funding will be made available in Budget 2026 for animal welfare charities given the very challenging circumstances at present and the unprecedented number of abandoned and surrendered animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53174/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAnimal welfare is a key priority for me as Minister and for the Government.
I would like to acknowledge the important work carried out, often in very challenging circumstances, by animal welfare organisations and their dedicated volunteers and staff across Ireland. Animal welfare charities play a crucial role in helping animals in need, educating people, and raising public awareness about improving animal welfare.
Each year my Department invites eligible animal welfare charities to submit a funding application through the Animal Welfare grants programme. To qualify, applicants must meet specified requirements, which are made available through the application process, with awards made on the basis of objective criteria which are reviewed on an annual basis.
Last year €6 million of funding was provided to 101 animal welfare charities nationwide, through the animal welfare grant programme. These awards also support the provision of education and knowledge sharing to the public on animal welfare and responsible pet ownership, helping to raise animal welfare standards.
The 2025 Animal Welfare grants process is underway, with applications currently under assessment by my Department and I expect to announce the results of the application process in December.
486. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to reopen the east coast mussel seed fishery at the earliest possible date and take into consideration the importance of this measure to the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53222/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI fully recognise the importance of the Irish Sea mussel seed fishery and of wild mussel seed as raw material for the bottom grown mussel aquaculture sector. These primary producers, in turn, supply the downstream indigenous seafood processing and export industries and help to sustain the livelihoods of coastal communities. The importance of these primary and secondary seafood production activities is reflected in the Food Vision 2030 strategy.
While the opening of the mussel seed fishery is of highest priority, the detection of invasive alien species (IAS), including Crepidula fornicata (slipper limpet) at the Long Bank seed bed off Wexford, has necessitated a precautionary approach under the European Union (Invasive Alien Species) Regulations 2024 (S.I. No. 374 of 2024). This legislation mandates stringent biosecurity measures and risk assessments to prevent the establishment and spread of IAS, which can pose a significant threat to biodiversity and aquaculture operations.
I can inform the Deputy that a risk assessment has been conducted by the IAS and Aquaculture Working Group, which consists of representatives from a number of Departments and State agencies and is facilitated by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM). However, as this is the first recorded instance of Crepidula fornicata in a mussel seed bed in Ireland, supplementary information and clarification have been requested by my Department to ensure the risks are comprehensively assessed and appropriate measures can be taken.
I wish to assure the Deputy that every effort is being made to expedite this process and to address outstanding matters. To that end, my Department is working collaboratively with BIM, the above referenced Working Group, and other agencies on the necessary steps that are required in order to advance all issues in a responsible manner.
487. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to review the pension payments of a retired person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53353/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department will also liaise with the National Shared Services Office (NSSO) on this matter, as the NSSO has responsibility for the payment of pensions to former civil servants.
I would like to assure the Deputy that my Department will look into this request and contact the person directly to assist with this matter.
488. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number and percentage of veterinary inspectors employed by his Department that are female, as of 30 September 2025; if he will provide same figures as of 30 September 2021, in tabular form. [53363/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe figures below were extracted as per 01/10/2025. The table includes veterinary inspectors employed by the Department, as of 28 September 2025 (Closest Data Extract Date) and as of the 30 September 2021, with headcount number and gender percentage figures in tabular form as requested.
|
Calendar Day |
Grade Description |
Gender |
Headcount |
% of Total Count of Gender |
|
9/28/2025 |
Veterinary Inspector |
Female |
162 |
51.26% |
|
|
|
Male |
138 |
43.40% |
|
|
|
Other/Undisclosed |
17 |
5.35% |
|
9/30/2021 |
Veterinary Inspector |
Female |
120 |
44.78% |
|
|
|
Male |
145 |
54.10% |
|
|
|
Other/Undisclosed |
3 |
1.12% |
489. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 1721 of 8 September 2025, the number of non-coursing greyhounds active on the Rásaíocht Con Éireann Race Management System on 13 June 2025 and not the twelve months previously (details supplied), by year of birth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53379/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a commercial state body established under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for RCÉ and, therefore, the question has been referred to that body for direct reply.
490. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there is currently a facility in the State licensed to slaughter equines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53406/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCurrently there is no facility in the State approved to slaughter equines. My Department is committed to the establishment of an equine slaughter facility. Approval to operate as an equine slaughter premises, similar to all meat food business operator applications, is a two-stage process. The first step is the submission of a Notification of Intent. If all of the documentation is correct, and the site is deemed suitable, then the process moves to the second stage with the submission of a formal application.
Two Notifications of Intent have been submitted. One party has passed this initial stage. My Department awaits the submission of the formal application.
491. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current strength of the poultry sector; how the situation in relation to export stands; if he has concerns about the volume of poultry products being imported into the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53407/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very aware of the contribution of the poultry production sector to Irish agri-food sector as a whole, supporting significant levels of direct employment and contributing to the rural economy.
Securing market access and diversifying trade remains a key aim for Government. Developing market opportunities at home and abroad is one of the goals of Food Vision 2030. The recently launched Action Plan on Market Diversification is further testament of our commitment.
Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures show that last year the value of Irish poultry meat exports increased from €285.7 million, to €294.7 million compared to 2023. The latest CSO figures (YTD Jul. 2025), show that the value of poultry exports for 2025 stands at €195.1m, a 18.8% increase on the corresponding 2024 figure (€164.2m).
2025 has shown signs of growth in overall poultry production with slaughter figures, as of Week 38 of 2025, up by 6.3% on the same period of 2024. The most recent comparable monthly price would also indicate strong performance within the Sector, with the September 2025 price for Whole 'Class A' Chicken, being approximately 4.9% higher than the price being achieved 12 months previous.
The predominant outlet for Irish poultry meat is the Irish retail market for fresh raw product. While the majority of poultry meat sold at retail level is Irish, the vast majority of poultry meat sold in the food service sector is imported. CSO figures show that in 2024, the value of Irish poultry meat imports increased from €578.1 million to €626.9 million compared to 2023.
As in other meat sectors, global trade conditions will be crucial in determining the outlook for the Irish poultry sector over the medium to longer term. However, I firmly believe that the poultry production sector in Ireland is in a strong position.
492. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when works on a new passenger embarkation pontoon at Killybegs Fisheries Harbour Centre will be fully completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53624/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra493. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when works on a new smooth point phase three at Killybegs Fisheries Harbour Centre will be fully completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53625/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 492 and 493 together.
In March this year I announced details of €27.75 million allocated for capital projects in Ireland’s publicly owned harbours through the 2025 Fishery Harbour Centre and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. Of this, I allocated €23 million investment to modernise and enhance the six state-owned Fishery Harbour Centres (FHCs) located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros An Mhíl which are owned, operated, developed and maintained by my Department under statute.
The investment includes €11.205 million for Killybegs FHC, of which €7 million is allocated to the Smooth Point Phase 3 project and €2.5 million is allocated to the Passenger Embarkation Pontoon project.
All capital projects are subject to rigorous project management processes including design, tender action and implementation stages, and ongoing monitoring, evaluation and review in accordance with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform’s Capital Works Management Framework and the Infrastructural Guidelines.
Additionally, all contractual projects are subject to the applicable conditions of contract and, as such, it is necessary to follow due process in accordance with such conditions.
Works on the Smooth Point Phase 3 project are nearing completion, with the berthing dolphins fully installed. The final installation of the proposed shore-to-ship power supply (known as Cold Ironing) is currently ongoing.
The Passenger Embarkation Pontoon project is substantially complete, with just final snagging and commissioning ongoing at present.
The progress of the works will be contingent upon weather conditions; thus, it is currently impossible to provide a definitive completion date for these projects. Nevertheless, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that both projects are anticipated to be completed before the end of this year.
494. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of horses seized under the Control of Horses Act 2015 in each of the past three years, by local authority, in tabular form. [53705/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra495. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of horses that were seized and/or impounded for trespass and for non-compliance with chipping law and regulation, by county, each year from 2020 to date in 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53706/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra496. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps being taken by his Department to assist local councils in addressing the issue of wandering horses in urban areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53707/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 494 to 496, inclusive, together.
My Department is responsible for all policy and legislation in relation to the Control of Horses Act 1996. Operation of the Act comes under the remit of Local Authorities.
Under the Control of Horses Act 1996, local authorities may take a range of actions in relation to equines including prohibiting horses in certain areas, the issuing of licences and the seizure of horses in contravention of the Act. These powers can be used in respect of straying horses, which includes horses put on land without the owner’s permission, including public land. Local authorities may also prosecute offenders.
My Department provides financial support to help local authorities with the costs of these seizures.
My Department collects information in respect of the overall number of equines seized from local authorities on a quarterly basis.
The figures provided by local authorities to my Department in respect of equine seizures by county for the last five years are provided in the following table.
TOTAL HORSES SEIZED 2025
|
City/County Cos |
No. Horses Seized 2025 |
|
Carlow Co. Council |
0 |
|
Cavan Co. Council |
0 |
|
Clare Co. Council |
2 |
|
Cork Co. Council |
10 |
|
Cork City Council |
40 |
|
Donegal Co. Council |
0 |
|
Dublin City Council |
0 |
|
Sth Dublin Co. Council |
12 |
|
Dublin Dunlaoghaire/Rathdown Co Council |
5 |
|
Dublin Fingal Co. Council |
17 |
|
Galway City Council |
0 |
|
Galway Co. Council |
0 |
|
Kerry Co. Council |
10 |
|
Kildare Co. Council |
0 |
|
Kilkenny Co. Council |
9 |
|
Laois Co. Council |
8 |
|
Leitrim Co. Council |
0 |
|
Limerick City and County |
22 |
|
Longford Co. Council |
1 |
|
Louth Co. Council |
1 |
|
Mayo Co. Council |
1 |
|
Meath Co. Council |
0 |
|
Monaghan Co. Council |
0 |
|
Offaly Co. Council |
1 |
|
Roscommon Co. Council |
0 |
|
Sligo Co. Council |
0 |
|
Tipperary Co. Council |
26 |
|
Waterford City & County Council |
5 |
|
Westmeath Co. Council |
0 |
|
Wexford Co. Council |
0 |
|
Wicklow Co. Council |
3 |
|
Totals |
173 |
497. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will examine issues raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53713/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am arranging to have this examined and a response will issue in due course.
