Written Answers Nos. 387-406
387. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 1548 of 8 September 2025, if the information regarding the average time in each of the past five years between application to join An Garda Síochána and attestation is now available, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62683/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to Parliamentary Question No. 1703 of 8 September 2025 where you sought: “the average time in each of the past five years between application to join An Garda Síochána and attestation, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter."
An Garda Síochána have provided the following table with the average time from application to commencement of training from 2022 to date:
|
Competition Year |
Average time from date of application to commencing training |
|
2022 |
74 weeks |
|
2023 |
66 weeks |
|
2024 |
59 weeks |
|
2025 |
24 weeks |
I am advised that these timeframes are based on the best information currently available. However, as several overlapping processes are involved, the timelines are approximate and subject to change.
The Garda authorities have also advised that they have recently revised their recruitment processes so that successful applicants can enter the Garda College sooner and candidates who are unsuccessful are informed earlier.
Upon commencing training at the Garda College a Trainee Garda must complete Phase 1 of training before they attest. Phase 1 of the Programme has evolved over the lifetime of its existence, reacting to changing content and the incorporation of blended learning.
Between 2014-2020 Phase I of training took place over 32 weeks. Between 2022-2024 this phase took place over 34 weeks. Since 2024 this phase takes place over 36 weeks.
On completion of Phase 1 trainees are attested and are designated as probationer Gardaí. They must then complete 70 weeks of further training, both on-the-job and classroom-based, before they complete training and receive a B.A in Applied Policing.
388. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 1688 of 8 September 2025, if the information requested regarding the number of planned physical interventions that is, incidents of planned use of force that took place in the years 2022 to date, by prison and location of the intervention in each prison for example, cell, yard, landing, workshop and so on; the number of spontaneous physical interventions that is, incidents of spontaneous use of force that took place in the years 2022 to date, by prison and location of the intervention in each prison for example, cell, yard, landing, workshop and so on, by year, in tabular form is now available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62684/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt has not been possible to collate the information requested by the Deputy in the time available. I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
389. Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the status of the examination of a protected disclosure (details supplied) circulated to senior Cabinet members in July 2025 and asked as a Leader’s Questions on 22 October 2025; and if correspondences will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62716/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under Section 16 of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 (as amended), a person to whom a protected disclosure is made, and any person to whom a protected disclosure is referred in the performance of that person’s duties, shall not disclose to another person any information that might identify the person by whom the protected disclosure was made.
The Minister is therefore unable to confirm or deny the existence of any protected disclosures made to him, or to any body or agency under his aegis, as to do so could potentially identify a person if they have made such a disclosure.
390. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide details on the deer management strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62699/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra391. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide details on deer management units, including the locations, number of staff, and their remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62700/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 390 and 391 together.
My Department, along with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage established the Irish Deer Management Strategy group to develop a strategy for the sustainable management of deer in Ireland. The Group comprised representatives from my Department, National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Coillte. A report was published into “Developing a Sustainable Deer Management Strategy for Ireland” in December 2023.
The report listed 16 Actions, 8 of which are recommended in the short term and 8 of which are recommended in the medium term. These recommended actions address a wide range of issues from hunter training and forest design to land use management and the venison market. The report concluded that a formal structure was required to manage deer in Ireland, which involved the appointment of a Programme Manager to implement the recommendations of the report and the establishment of local deer management units in known hot spot areas.
My Department is committed to progressing the implementation of the actions identified by the Irish Deer Management Strategy Group (IDMSG) in this report. The Programme Manager, who has been appointed, will work closely with the IDMSG, my Department and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in prioritising and the implementation of the short term recommendations identified in the report.
15 dedicated Deer Management Units (DMUs) have been established in areas of the country that are well-known hot spots for wild deer. These DMUs aim to give the best geographic coverage in order to reduce the density of deer in these areas. Local co-ordinators have been appointed to lead the 15 dedicated DMUs.
The Programme Manager, through the local deer management units, will be liaising with licensed hunters and landowners in relation to the management of deer populations within the deer management units. Deer can continue to be culled by appropriate licensed hunters within the hunting season and with the use of Section 42 licenses issued by the NPWS outside the hunting season.
392. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of road traffic accidents per county involving deer between 2015 and 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62704/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, along with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage established the Irish Deer Management Strategy group to develop a strategy for the sustainable management of deer in Ireland. The Group comprised representatives from my Department, National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Coillte. A report was published into “Developing a Sustainable Deer Management Strategy for Ireland” in December 2023.
The report listed 16 Actions, 8 of which are recommended in the short term and 8 of which are recommended in the medium term. These recommended actions address a wide range of issues from hunter training and forest design to land use management and the venison market. The report concluded that a formal structure was required to manage deer in Ireland, which involved the appointment of a Programme Manager to implement the recommendations of the report and the establishment of local deer management units in known hotspot areas.
My Department is committed to progressing the implementation of the actions identified by the Irish Deer Management Strategy Group (IDMSG) in this report. The Programme Manager, who has been appointed, will work closely with the IDMSG, DAFM and the National Parks and Wildlife Service in prioritising and implementing the short term recommendations identified in the report.
The locations of the deer management units (DMUs) have been established in response to what might be referred to as deer hotspots. These DMUs aim to give the best geographic coverage in order to reduce the density of deer in these areas.
The Programme Manager, through the local deer management units, will be liaising with licensed hunters and landowners in relation to the management of deer populations within the deer management units. Deer can continue to be culled by appropriate licensed hunters within the hunting season and with the use of Section 42 licenses issued by the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) outside the hunting season.
The issuing of licences for the control of deer is an operational matter for the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
My Department does not maintain records in relation to the number of deer in the State or the number of road traffic accidents involving deer.
393. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of badgers that have been culled in each county between 2015 and 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62705/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of badgers culled in each county between 2015 and 2025 (to date) is set out in the table beneath.
On 9th September I published the “Bovine TB Action Plan, Addressing Bovine TB in Ireland”.
There are 5 measures in the Plan which are underpinned by 30 actions:
Support herds free of bTB to remain free.
Reduce the impact of wildlife on the spread of bTB.
Detect and eliminate bTB infection as early as possible in herds with a bTB breakdown and avoid a future breakdown.
Help farmers improve all areas of on-farm biosecurity.
Reduce the impact of known high-risk animals in spreading bTB.
One of the key actions in Measure 2: Reduce the impact of wildlife on the spread of bTB is to include a Test Vaccinate Remove approach to badger vaccination that will ensure that only healthy badgers will be vaccinated thus further improving the effectiveness of my Department's wildlife programme.
data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/debates/questions/supportingDocumentation/2025-11-13_pq-393-13-11-2025_en.docx
394. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current vacancies which exist for a Technical Agricultural Officer in the Tipperary or Limerick area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62325/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to ensuring that a highly skilled and motivated workforce is in place to meet business needs and uses workforce planning to identify and assess these needs for all locations. Recruitment is ongoing at present, and employment opportunities continue to be advertised either by the Public Jobs website or by my Department's Human Resources Division. I am aware of the need for delivery of prompt and efficient services and all critical staffing vacancies are filled as soon as possible upon candidates becoming available.
The information sought by the Deputy in relation to current vacancies is as follows:
|
Grade |
Location |
Number of Vacancies |
|
Technical Agricultural Officer |
Limerick |
4 |
|
Technical Agricultural Officer |
Tipperary |
3 |
395. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to put a process in place to purchase the title to Kilkeaveragh Pier, Portmagee, County Kerry in order that the structure qualifies for state funding; to clarify the rights and responsibilities attributed to it as it appears that the title to Kilkeaveragh Pier, which was built by Trinity College Dublin (TCD) as part of the Iveragh Estate is not owned by his Department and has been left in ‘no man's land’ (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62355/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraKilkeaveragh Pier was built and owned by Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and held in what was called the Iveragh Estate. Irish Land Commission records relating to the TCD Estates indicate that Kilkeaveragh Pier was specifically excluded from the transfer when the Barony of Iveragh was sold to the Congested District Boards in 1913.
Therefore, it is my Department’s understanding that TCD retained ownership of the pier after the 1913 transfer and would be responsible for the public liability insurance, maintenance and upkeep of the pier.
It is also my understanding that until recently TCD were unaware of their continued interest in title in this pier and their own records suggest that the title rests with the State.
While it is not within the remit of my Department to purchase and maintain privately held piers, should the relevant local authority engage with TCD to take charge of Kilkeaveragh Pier, any application that might be submitted by the authority to my Department which meets the conditions of the Fishery Harbour & Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme would be considered in the context of available funding and overall national priorities.
396. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to urgently investigate and allow for payment in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62381/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named above made an application under the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) and other Area Based Schemes 2025 which was received on 12 May 2025.
In the application, both private and commonage lands were declared. A review of the commonages being declared is currently being completed by my Department and it is expected that payment will issue on December 1st to the applicant.
397. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will allow for a late application due to illness under the sheep welfare scheme for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62383/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe objective of the 2025 National Sheep Welfare Scheme (NSWS) is to further enhance animal health and welfare on sheep farms. It builds on the 2024 National Welfare Scheme that was introduced in April 2024 and which the herd owner participated in.
The application opening date for NSWS 2025 was 28th March 2025, and the closing date was 15th May 2025. There was a 25-calendar day period after the 15th May 2025 to submit a late application at a reduction rate of 1% per working day up to and including the 09th June 2025.
The Department has examined its records relating to 2025 NSWS applications and I can confirm no application was submitted by the herd owner referred to by the Deputy, or on their behalf by a FAS Advisor for the 2025 NSWS.
On 07 November 2025, my Department received a request for a review from the herd owner. This review will be processed shortly by my Department and the outcome of that will issue directly to the farmer concerned.
398. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the work done under each of the 12 actions under the Action Plan arising from the National Dialogue on Women in Agriculture. [62418/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraGender equality in agriculture is a priority of mine and features in the Programme for Government. Our agri-food strategy, Food Vision 2030, recognises the importance of gender balance to the long-term sustainable future for primary producers and includes commitments to promote and improve gender balance at all levels within the sector, including to host a National Dialogue on Women in Agriculture.
The Dialogue, which took place in 2023, explored gender equality in farming and the wider agri-food sector, with the outcomes and recommendations informing a report and 12-point action plan, which was launched last year. A Women in Agriculture Working Group was established to oversee its implementation and good progress has been made with several actions either complete or nearing completion.
The Group is currently delivering a Winter Webinar Series aimed at increasing knowledge and awareness of topics, identified by women active in the sector, including DAFM Schemes, Access to Finance, Agri-Taxation & Succession Planning and Social Protection. This follows a number of leadership and networking events nationwide last year.
The Group worked closely with the UCD School of Agri-Food & Science to deliver the “Women in Agriculture Studies Gender Excellence Award” earlier this year. The award, which will be annual is sponsored by my Department and recognises academic merit and overall involvement and commitment to gender inclusivity among the UCD student population.
A review of DAFM schemes was undertaken to ensure that the language, terms and conditions and eligibility criteria do not pose any unintended barriers to female farmer participation. The review, completed over a six-month period, has informed a guidance note and checklist to assist in the design of future scheme documentation to ensure best practice going forward.
A review of the Department’s herd number application process has also been undertaken and updated guidance documents, application forms and standard operating procedures have been implemented to ensure greater consistency and ease of use. The process is due to become available online in 2026.
A dedicated “Women in Agriculture” page has been created on my Department's website to act as a centralised point of information and promotion for women and young girls involved in Irish agriculture.
In July, I launched a “Spotlight on Female-led Sustainability" booklet, which profiles and promotes sustainability female role models in farming, food-production, forestry, marine and research fields.
There is also ongoing work on education and communication.
The specific work of this Group is almost complete, and I expect a final report from them early next year, which I intend to publish. I will continue to liaise with relevant stakeholders to promote and support greater gender balance and equal opportunities in agriculture.
399. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the provisions that have been made to ensure that agencies, organisations and charities funded by his Department will be able to meet their obligations under the new AE scheme. [62457/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State Bodies under the remit of my Department are Public Bodies and apply the Government Public Service Pension Policies.
With regards to agencies, charities or organisations in receipt of grant funding from my Department, statutory obligations relating to pay or pensions are a matter for each individual body to adhere to, in line with national employment law.
400. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in view of the IFA’s warning that the loss of the nitrates derogation could reduce average family-farm income by €43,500 and precipitate a drop of 200,000 dairy cows nationally, with major ramifications in rural Cork, the assessment that has been made of the regional income impact in Munster/Cork; the targeted supports planned to offset income loss, farm-exit risk or generational renewal disruption; and how his Department will engage with the outgoing CAP-2027 architecture to provide clarity within the next quarter. [62498/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI fully understand the value of the Nitrates Derogation to Ireland, to the 7,000 farmers who avail of it annually, and the wider agricultural community.
Approximately half of dairy farms in Ireland and two thirds of national milk production is produced on farms that have an organic nitrogen stocking rate of greater than 170 kg per hectare.
To ensure everyone has a clear understanding and to allow informed policy decisions, my Department commissioned Teagasc to carry out environmental and economic modelling of the impact of possible adjustments in the maximum stocking rates permitted under Ireland’s Nitrates Derogation. That modelling identified the figures and possible financial impacts referenced in the Deputy's question.
Not only does the Nitrates Derogation have significant economic value for Ireland’s rural economy; it also has significant environmental value as farmers who avail of it must meet higher environmental standards. The derogation also contributes to engagement and buy-in regarding improving water quality across the entire agri-food sector.
These environmental and economic reasons have made securing an extension to our Nitrates Derogation a key Government priority.
Across Government, and at official level, we are working constructively to ensure Ireland makes the best case possible to secure Ireland's next Nitrates Derogation, as committed to in the Programme for Government.
401. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications nationally, under tranche 2 of ACRES; that have withdrawn their applications to date; the number of remaining participants in the scheme on each island; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62522/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraApproximately 460 farmers have withdrawn from Tranche 2 of the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES).
There are currently over 53,700 participants remaining in the scheme with almost 44,500 in Tranche 1 and over 9,200 in Tranche 2.
402. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 731 of 14 October 2025, the date he began to prepare a tender to procure the services of a firm with specialised knowledge of the poultry industry to compile poultry valuation tables to assist with calculating compensation rates; when he expects to receive same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62579/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has, since 2017, employed the services of an external consultancy firm with specialised knowledge of the poultry industry to develop valuation tables relating to the most common species and types of poultry in Ireland. These tables are used to determine compensation payable in the case of an outbreak of poultry disease that necessitates a Department mandated cull of a flock.
In line with public procurement rules, this service was tendered for again in May of this year, and a contract signed on 8th September. The first set of valuation tables under this new contract are due to be delivered at the end of November.
403. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 731 of 14 October 2025, if all strains of avian influenza which may result in an order from his Department to cull a flock are covered by a related compensation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62580/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 provides that compensation to owners of animals may be payable, if a cull of those animals is directed by my Department in the event of an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The compensation may relate to the animal that is culled, or to an animal product, animal feed or similar item that is destroyed in relation to the outbreak. The compensation may not exceed the open market value of the animal or item. HPAI is classified as a Category A animal disease under the EU Animal Health Law.
Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) is not a Category A disease. It is considered a production disease and any decision to cull is a commercial decision taken by the flock owner. In this instance, no compensation is available for the culling of flocks on foot of a flock owner's decision.
404. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on his response to outbreaks of avian influenza within the State; his related engagements with his counterpart in the North of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62582/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has moved swiftly to implement disease control measures in line with National and EU legislation, following the confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza in poultry in Ireland. Restriction zones have been established around the affected premises, with strict movement controls on the movements of poultry and poultry products. Veterinary investigations and surveillance are ongoing.
I introduced mandatory biosecurity measures on 1st November and a housing order on 10th November for all poultry and captive bird owners, with similar measures being undertaken in Northern Ireland. My Department also meets regularly with poultry stakeholders to keep them appraised of this developing situation, with the most recent meeting taking place on 11th November.
My Department is working closely with its counterparts in Northern Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in preparing for, preventing and responding to exotic animal diseases such as highly pathogenic avian influenza. I also engage regularly with my counterpart in Northern Ireland on these important issues.
I would like to remind poultry and captive bird owners of the importance of biosecurity and to remain vigilant of any signs of the disease and to report any suspicion to their local Regional Veterinary Office without delay. Additional information on avian influenza can be found on the Government Website at: www.gov.ie/birdflu.
405. Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a Citizens' Assembly on food will be convened, to ensure an all-of-Government approach to Irish food security and meeting the objectives of the Healthy Ireland Policy and Actions. [62591/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am not aware of any plans to convene a Citizens’ Assembly on food.
Food is central to Ireland’s society, economy, and environment. Through Food Vision 2030, our stakeholder-led strategy for the agri-food sector, Ireland has adopted a food systems approach that promotes policy coherence including economic, environmental, health, social wellbeing and international development policy aspects. Its ambition is for Ireland to be a “World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems", achieved through the engagement of all stakeholders, private and public.
Developed by a 32-member stakeholder committee and informed by extensive public consultation, Food Vision 2030 reflects a wide range of perspectives. Collaboration remains key to its implementation through dedicated sectoral groups and oversight by a High-Level Implementation Committee, which I chair, to monitor delivery of its four Missions:
• A Climate Smart, Environmentally Sustainable Agri-Food Sector.
• Viable and Resilient Primary Producers, with Enhanced Wellbeing.
• Food that is Safe, Nutritious and Appealing, Trusted and Valued at Home and Abroad.
• Innovative, Competitive and Resilient Agri-Food Sector, Driven by Technology and Talent.
Food Vision 2030 aligns closely with the Healthy Ireland Framework, supporting a sustainable, safe and nutritious food system, valued both domestically and internationally.
Recent geopolitical developments have challenged established assumptions on food security. However, Ireland remains among the most food secure countries in the world, ranked second in the most recent Global Food Security Index, underpinned by our strong agri-food sector, and our membership of the EU Single Market and participation in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
Ireland continues to advocate for food systems transformation globally. Through the UN Food Systems Summit process, Ireland committed to sharing its experience in food systems transformation and supporting others through collaboration with the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and other partners.
A mid-term review of Food Vision 2030, which I announced recently, will ensure that it remains ambitious, coherent, and responsive to evolving challenges, including food security, health, and environmental goals.
406. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of recent discussions he had with the EU Commissioner in relation to the need to review the Nitrates Derogation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62622/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSecuring Ireland’s nitrates derogation has been my number one priority since I was appointed Minister last January.
In the context of the good work that Ireland is doing on actions to improve water quality and Ireland’s request for continuance of our Nitrates Derogation, I felt it was important to invite the European Commissioner for the Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, to visit Ireland.
During her visit last week, Commissioner Roswall met a father and daughter team on their farm in Kildare to see first hand the work of Irish dairy farmers to reduce agriculture's impact on water and the necessity for certainty regarding retention of our Nitrates Derogation.
As part of her visit, the Commissioner also met Irish MEPs, members of the joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food as well as the joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy, farm organisations and other interested parties.
It was an important visit at a crucial stage in our negotiations. We had some constructive discussions and I believe it was useful in terms of facilitating the Commissioner to further her own personal understanding of the unique grass-based nature of Irish agriculture and the work our farmers are engaged in regarding improving water quality.
The Government continues to engage intensively with the European Commission on this matter, aiming to achieve a fair deal for our farmers which will also drive improvements in our water quality.
