Written Answers Nos. 141-160
142. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures his Department will take to support farmers in meeting national climate-reduction targets; if additional financial supports will be made available to assist with emissions-reducing technologies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65230/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Agriculture sector is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030.
My Department is assisting farmers with their transition to more sustainable practices while also supporting family farm incomes with a budget of €9.8bn under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan.
In ACRES which is Ireland’s flagship environmental scheme, 54,000 farmers are contributing to a range of environmental, biodiversity, climate and water quality objectives. This has resulted in the planting of over 500,000 trees and over 2,500 kilometres of new hedgerows nationally.
I have secured an additional allocation of €280 million for ACRES in 2026 to continue this work.
I have also increased funding for Organic Farming which has resulted in 248,000 hectares currently being farmed organically in Ireland.
Approximately 16,000 farmers participate in the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) to improve the genetic merit and the carbon efficiency of our national beef herd.
A budget of €1.3 billion underpins our National Forestry Programme for the period 2023-2027, and for 2026, I have increased the allocation by 5.7% to €93 million which is supporting farmers and industry to reach climate targets by way of carbon capture.
My Department is providing additional financial supports to assist with emissions-reducing technologies, and for 2026 I have allocated €88 million to the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS). I am a firm believer in the positive impact of TAMS because it supports competitiveness of Irish farms, as well as actions on climate and water quality.
Since 2020, my Department has provided over €48 million in climate-related agricultural research and innovation funding from both national and international research calls.
My Department’s support of agri-climate research will also be key in the development of new technologies which will support the sector in meeting our national climate targets.
143. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are plans to increase supports for sheep farmers and limit the amount of red tape on these supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66717/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government acknowledges the vital role of farmers as a driving force in the rural economy and as custodians of the landscape while ensuring sustainable food production for a growing world population.
Strengthening farm incomes is a priority for this Government. We will continue to support the sheep sector with targeted exchequer supports and with other EU co-funded supports that are available to all farmers through the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP).
In Budget 2026, I secured an allocation of €131 million for the livestock sector, which will ensure the continuation of existing dedicated supports, including those worth €42m to the sheep sector in 2026.
Those supports consist of €20m for the multi-annual CSP Sheep Improvement Scheme and €22m for the annual National Sheep Welfare Scheme. The budget for the current National Sheep Welfare Scheme in 2025 was an increase of €7m, or 47%, on the preceding year of 2024. Payments amounting to €16.44m have already issued to more than 13,000 farmers in respect of their participation in the 2025 scheme.
In addition, there are many other multi-annual schemes available under the current CSP, which is worth €9.8 billion to farmers and rural communities between 2023 and 2027. These include basic income payments as well as agri-environment, investment and organic farming schemes, which are particularly significant for sheep farmer incomes.
It is standard practice for my Department to consult the farm organisations on the design and implementation of various schemes that affect their members. The popularity of the current sheep schemes are due to the straightforward, practical and beneficial measures put in place.
As with all schemes, applicants will be subject to a minimum level of inspection and administrative control checks to ensure compliance with scheme conditions and existing regulations.
I am committed to continue providing sheep farmers with meaningful supports aimed at promoting a viable, resilient and sustainable sheep sector.
147. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his Department's plans to reward farmers for producing energy for their private use or by selling excess energy to the electricity grid to diversify their income, as outlined in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66675/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIrish farmers are supported to invest in their capacity to produce indigenous renewable energy for private use through access to solar grant aid.
In addition, on-farm renewable energy generation activities through Anerobic digestion offer the potential for farmers to diversify their income stream, maintain viable holdings and protect our traditional family farm model.
The importance of increasing renewable energy generation across all sectors of the Irish economy has been highlighted through the inclusion of ambitious energy targets in the National Climate Action Plan.
My Department’s support includes a focus on solar energy through the Solar Capital Investment Scheme (SCIS) under the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Schemes (TAMS) and the installation of mainly roof-top Solar technology along with battery storage on Irish farms across the country. The Solar Capital Investment Scheme has an individual investment ceiling of €90,000 and is grant aided at the enhanced rate of 60%.
My Department co-led the development of the National Biomethane Strategy which was published in May 2024. This was Ireland’s first major policy statement on biomethane and was first and foremost an Agri-centric strategy.
Following publication of the Strategy, my Department announced that funding for biomethane investment had been secured from the EU’s REPowerEU fund. My Department launched a Biomethane Capital Grant Scheme in August 2024 to kick start an Agri-led biomethane industry in Ireland with applicants proposing to produce biomethane from agricultural feedstocks eligible to apply for funding.
The Biomethane Strategy highlighted the importance of farm scale AD plants in the development of the sector. My Department continues to fund research to examine the viability of smaller on-farm AD plants and to fund a European Investment Partnership project in Galway on an on-farm AD model.
Overall national energy policy is developed by the Department of the Climate, Energy and the Environment. My Department will continue to work closely with that Department to ensure that our agricultural sector maintains momentum in increasing the sectors capacity for producing indigenous energy on our farms, diversifying income streams and in contributing to meeting Ireland’s national climate and energy targets.
148. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the funding provided for the control of horses in Cork city. [65566/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department takes the matter of equine welfare most seriously.
The welfare of equines is protected by legislation and appropriate enforcement action is undertaken by my Department and authorised officers under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, including An Garda Síochána, Customs agents, authorised officers appointed by local authorities and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA), where breaches or shortcomings are identified.
Any reports of welfare issues received by my Department, including breaches of the animal welfare legislation, are acted upon and investigated.
Under the Control of Horses Act 1996, local Authorities may take a range of actions in relation to equines. My Department provides financial support to help local authorities to, among other activities, facilitate equine seizures, however enforcement of the Act is a matter for the relevant local authority.
The funding provided by my Department to Cork City council, for the control of horses, from January to October 2025 was: €9,150.
149. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the implementation of the new Bovine TB Action Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66680/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere has been a significant increase in Bovine TB (bTB) levels nationally in recent years, which is a challenge both financially and emotionally for Irish farmers.
Our understanding of TB has increased and evolved over time and research has shown that our current approach to addressing disease levels on its own was not enough to control and ultimately eradicate TB.
Earlier this year, I had extensive engagement with stakeholders and farming organisations to agree measures to tackle the current disease levels and in June I received the support of Government to introduce additional measures to the bovine TB programme.
On 9 September, I launched the ‘Bovine TB Action Plan: Addressing Bovine TB in Ireland’. There are 5 measures and 30 actions underpinned by scientific research, evidence and veterinary expertise in this action plan.
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
The aim of the Action Plan is to reset the bTB programme in the context of putting in place measures necessary to tackle the current disease situation. These measures are targeting both transmission between wildlife and cattle, and transmission between cattle.
I intend introducing some of the measures immediately in terms of communication and engagement with farmers while others will be introduced over the coming months and into 2026. As some of these measures require work on IT systems this work is being prioritised and will be rolled out in the coming months. Farmers and all stakeholders will be notified in advance of any changes to the TB programme through communication campaigns.
I have secured an increased budget allocation for the TB programme in Budget 2026, providing a total budget of €157 million. This additional funding is vital in addressing this disease and I am confident it will help drive down the incidences of bovine TB levels, in future years through the implementation of the Action Plan.
150. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will support a ban on fox hunting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66426/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to upholding standards in animal welfare and ensuring compliance with legislation. The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 (the Act) specifically prohibits the hunting of animals which have been released in an injured, mutilated, or exhausted condition. Where a specific case of animal neglect or cruelty is identified, offences may be prosecuted under the Act.
I strongly condemn any cruelty or mistreatment of animals. My Department operates an Animal Welfare Helpline 01 607 2373 and a dedicated email address: AnimalWelfare@agriculture.gov.ie which facilitates the reporting by members of the public of any suspicion of animal cruelty taking place – whether within the realm of a farming situation or a sporting or recreational activity or indeed in a public place or an urban setting. All calls received are treated in confidence and are followed up by authorised officers
There are currently no plans to change the existing legislation in relation to fox hunting
151. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if, in light of a recent report of illegal and substandard antibiotics being used in Brazilian beef imports, he will call for a re-examination of the terms and conditions of the Mercosur trade deal to create a level playing field for Irish farmers. [66613/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraReports of the Farmers Journal investigation into the sale of hormones and antibiotics in Brazil raise important issues and merit careful examination.
We know that Brazilian beef already enters the EU market, and it is therefore important to ensure that none of the unregulated products referenced in the investigation are used in its production. While there is no evidence that this is the case, these reports reinforce the need for continued vigilance.
According to Central Statistics Office data for the last number of years, Ireland has not imported beef product in any significant quantities from Brazil. In 2024, imports from Brazil amounted to 97 tonnes of a total of 34,000 tonnes imported. Beef imports from other Mercosur countries was virtually nil.
The EU has very stringent standards, known as SPS (sanitary and phytosanitary) standards, to protect human, animal and plant health. These are amongst the highest in the world, and the European Commission has insisted that they are not negotiable. These SPS standards remain unaltered regardless of any trade agreements concluded by the EU.
The Government is very firmly of the view that these EU SPS standards must continue to be rigorously upheld for the benefit of European consumers. It is also important that the European Commission continues to engage with the Brazilian authorities to ensure that this is the case.
Throughout the EU-Mercosur negotiation process, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade - who has lead responsibility for trade policy - and I have actively engaged with both the European Commission and with other Member States to voice Ireland’s concerns in relation to the EU-Mercosur Agreement.
Since my appointment as Minister earlier this year, I have raised these concerns at Agri-Fish Council meetings and also with like-minded Member States through bilateral meetings on the margins of these Council meetings. In recent months, I have met with my French, Austrian, Latvian and Polish counterparts to exchange views. Most recently, I have met with my Italian and French counterparts en marge of the November Agri-Fish Council meeting in Brussels.
152. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will examine possible increases to the valuation ceilings for farmers where their animals are infected by TB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66117/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraBovine TB is an ongoing challenge for Irish farmers. I am acutely aware of the emotional and financial impacts of bovine TB on farmers, their families and rural Ireland.
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 primary support scheme is the On Farm Market Valuation scheme, where animals removed as reactors receive compensation equivalent to what their market value would have been if they had not been disclosed as TB reactors, subject to scheme ceilings. Further supports are available through the Income Supplement Scheme, Depopulation Grant scheme and the Hardship Grant scheme.
In the period up to 31st of October, of the 32,860 animals valued under the On Farm Market Valuation scheme, just under 97% of animals were valued below the scheme ceilings.
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 in 2023, 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 at present 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 rose to over €100 million in 2024, a figure which will be exceeded in 2025.
153. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that current oversight mechanisms for dog breeding establishments are adequate to ensure compliance with welfare standards, in light of the recent increase in reported animal cruelty cases; if he will outline plans to strengthen enforcement and penalties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65979/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has lead policy responsibility within government for animal welfare and takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously. I am committed to the policy that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner.
Earlier this year, responsibility for all policy and legislation in relation to the Control of Dogs Act, 1986 and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act, 2010 transferred to my Department.
In March 2024, the then Minister for Rural and Community Development established the Dog Control Stakeholder Group to review the Control of Dogs Act and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act.
The stakeholder group’s remit includes considering the need for legislative change. This requires in-depth analysis and consultation to ensure that amendments are not just robust, fit for purpose and implementable, but that they also deliver the best outcomes for communities.
I am committed to reviewing all legislation relating to dogs, and in this regard will be guided by the recommendations of the Dog Control Stakeholder Group. I expect the group to revert to me with recommendations on the matter in due course.
All reports of alleged animal cruelty or neglect received by my Department are investigated.
My Department and authorised officers appointed under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, including An Garda Síochána, Customs agents, local authorities, and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, undertake appropriate enforcement action, where breaches or shortcomings are identified.
My Department keeps the Act under review in light of key developments in the areas of animal welfare, the law and having regard to the practical lessons learnt from operating the Act.
My Department operates a confidential Animal Welfare Helpline, where members of the public are aware of any cases of suspected abuse or neglect, they can contact my Department's animal welfare helpline on:
Helpline Phone No: 01 607 2379
Email address - animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie
154. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the Programme for Government commitment to increase scheme supports for suckler farmers and ensure straightforward measures to encourage uptake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66124/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government acknowledges the vital role of farmers as a driving force in the rural economy and as custodians of the landscape while ensuring sustainable food production for a growing world population.
Strengthening farm incomes is a priority for this Government. We will continue to support the suckler sector with targeted exchequer supports and with other EU co-funded supports that are available to all farmers through the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP).
In Budget 2026, I secured an allocation of €131 million for the livestock sector, which will ensure the continuation of existing dedicated supports, including those worth over €79m to the suckler sector in 2026.
Those supports consist of €51.2m for the multi-annual CSP Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme and €28m for the annual Beef Welfare Scheme (BWS). The budget for the current BWS in 2025 was an increase of €8m, or 40%, on the preceding year of 2024. The scheme attracted approximately 24,500 participants and payments are scheduled to issue in early December.
It is standard practice for my Department to consult the farm organisations on the design and implementation of various schemes that affect their members. The popularity of the current beef schemes are due to the straightforward, practical and beneficial measures put in place.
In addition, there are many other multi-annual schemes available under the current CSP, which is worth €9.8 billion to farmers and rural communities between 2023 and 2027. These include basic income payments as well as agri-environment, investment and organic farming schemes.
I am committed to continue providing suckler farmers with meaningful supports aimed at promoting a viable, resilient and sustainable suckler sector.
155. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason his Department refuses to accept invoices for TAMS grant claims in cases where the farmer has legitimately paid in cash; if he will review this rule in view of cases where fully paid, valid invoices have been ruled ineligible solely because payment was made in cash; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66685/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) provides grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings. Overall, the scheme has proved very popular, with an unprecedented level of applications received.
The Terms and Conditions of the TAMS 3 Schemes are very specific in advising applicants that grant aid will not be paid in respect of new equipment or investments unless proof of payment from the applicant’s bank account can be provided.
The receipts/invoices submitted must include items relevant to the approved investments. Cash payments are ineligible.
In cases where the applicant is not named on a receipt, there must be a direct electronic link between the payment and the applicant's bank or credit card account equal to the receipted amount. It should be noted that the terms and conditions of the scheme in relation to cash payments are in line with other Department Schemes and are in place to satisfy audit requirements.
157. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will intervene to help the services dealing with the protection of animals in Donegal in the wake of the closure of an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66293/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAnimal welfare is a key priority for me, as Minister, and for the Government.
Under the Animal Health and Welfare Act, 2013, my Department has primary policy responsibility for the welfare of all animals. Since the introduction of the Act, approximately 1,000 staff within my Department have been designated as authorised officers, under the Act.
A large number of these authorised officers are based in my Department’s network of Regional Veterinary Offices throughout the country, providing nationwide coverage. Their responsibilities include carrying out welfare inspections in every county and providing advice and support to the keepers of animals. Primary responsibility for protecting the welfare of animals rests with the owner or keeper.
The Animal Welfare Grants Programme provides considerable support for animal welfare charities to assist them in their vital work in rescuing and rehoming animals.
In November 2024, funding of almost €6 million was provided to 101 animal welfare charities nationwide including an award of €931,750 to the Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) and €32,400 to ISPCA Donegal, which are now part of the newly formed National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA).
My Department has no involvement in the day-to-day running of these charities. It is therefore at the discretion of the NSPCA to deploy resources where they deem can have the maximum impact with regard to their financial situation.
My Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation.
The dedicated e-mail address and helpline in place for reporting suspected cases of animal welfare are:
Helpline Phone No: 01 607 2379.
Email address - animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie
158. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address the situation whereby active turbary/turf-cutting areas on commonage lands were incorrectly mapped or missed entirely during the first ACRES scoring survey; if he will instruct his Department to amend the maps to correctly reflect the evidence on the ground; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66684/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraACRES includes results-based payments to participants in the Scheme's 'Co-operation' approach and in respect of certain actions in its 'General' approach.
Approximately 1.1 million hectares of land has been assessed and scored, representing 25% of all agricultural land, and including over 400,000 hectares of commonage.
The relevant parcels and commonage lands to be assessed and scored for the purposes of results-based payments were specified by ACRES participants at the time of application.
Ten scorecards were developed by my Department, in conjunction with the ACRES Co-operation Project (CP) Teams, to facilitate the assessment and scoring of lands.
The scorecards include positive indicators such as plant species, vegetation structure and wetness. They also include threats and pressures such as exposed soil, and damaging activities, such as turbary activity. These scorecards also capture management advice to improve the habitat, allowing farmers to improve the score and, ultimately, their payments.
As regards the assignment of the commonage scorecards, the boundaries of the scorecards were set based on a walkover in year one of the Scheme.
The Department was very conscious that active turf-cutting could potentially have a disproportionate impact on commonage scores, particularly if the commonage is scored as one field and there is a high level of active peat cutting and associated works.
That is why my Department, together with the CP Teams, developed a protocol for the CP teams to ensure that turbary and non-turbary areas were assessed separately. This protocol maintains the environmental integrity of ACRES - and the environmental integrity of the wider CAP Strategic Plan, which is paramount - while also ensuring that ACRES participants are not unduly penalised for active turbary carried out by third parties.
As the boundaries of the scorecards were set based on a walkover in Year one of the Scheme, it is not possible to redraw scorecard boundaries in commonage in subsequent years where new turbary activity takes place or where turbary activity has expanded without undermining the environmental integrity of the scheme, as the scoring system is set to disincentivise expansion of active turbary areas.
It should be noted that there is a review process in place in relation to the scoring of commonage, with the procedure in relation to that review process, and associated forms, available on my Department’s website.
159. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to set specific annual targets for diversification of Ireland's forest estate away from the monocultural sitka plantations and towards the restoration of native and broadleaf forests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66274/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current Forestry Strategy for Ireland is committed to the right trees in the right places for the right reasons and with the right management over the 2023 – 2030 period. The Forestry Programme 2023-2027 is key to the implementation of this strategy in the immediate term and can facilitate the planting of up to 8,000 hectares of new forests annually across 12 Forest Types.
Afforestation is a voluntary land use choice. However, the Afforestation Scheme, contained within the Forestry Programme offers landowners a broad range of planting options including for example, Native Woodland, Continuous Cover Forestry and Emergent Forests. A 20% broadleaf species component is now mandatory for all mixed forest types, including Sitka spruce, thus supporting increased biodiversity and habitat linkages.
In addition, the annual broadleaf target 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. A Native Tree Area Scheme was also introduced to facilitate small-scale planting and does not require an afforestation licence. It offers premiums of up to €2,284 for 10 years.
Landowners who planted conifers when they established their forests, who might wish to replant with native trees after their harvest, they may apply to the new Climate Resilient Reforestation (CRR) Pilot Scheme. This offers supports to forest owners at reforestation that incentivise species diversity and structural diversity.
The Forestry Programme also provides for measures relating to the management and conservation of existing forests, including for the development of skills that allow owners and their foresters to sustainably manage their forests. A new iPLAN scheme is due to launch in coming weeks for Forest Management Plans, which will promote more active forest management resulting in forests that have greater capacity to deliver ecosystem services, climate resilience, roundwood value and forest health vitality.
I am hopeful that the attractive and increased rates and supports under the Forestry Programme will facilitate uptake of both diverse afforestation and forest conservation measures. I am committed to working with all stakeholders to achieve lasting benefits from forestry not just for climate change, but for biodiversity, wood production, economic development
