Written Answers Nos. 161-180
161. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on a review of the agri-climate rural environment scheme (ACRES); when the review will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66670/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Review of the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES), as announced at the end of October 2024, was undertaken by senior management within my Department. Meetings were held with farming bodies, advisory bodies and the ACRES Co-operation Project Teams as part of the Review .
A draft report is currently at an advanced stage, and when completed will be presented to me for consideration.
It is important to note that experience is being gained on an ongoing basis from the implementation of the Scheme, with this experience addressing many of the issues raised in relation to ACRES during its first year.
The issuing of payments has gathered considerable momentum this year as knowledge and experience of the scheme has improved and functionality has been deployed to address challenges that were encountered in previous years.
162. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details on the level of support and funding allocated to dog rescues and shelters in 2025; if he is satisfied that these organisations have sufficient resources to meet demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65978/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously and is committed to the enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act, 2013.
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.
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.
163. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide data on inspections at and enforcement actions taken against dog breeding establishments in the past 12-months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65977/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraEarlier 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.
Inspections of dog breeding establishments are carried out by my Department and by local authority dog wardens.
All registered dog breeding establishments must undergo an annual inspection. My Department does not hold information on the number of inspections carried out by the Dog Warden Service or the number of inspections carried out prior to January 2025.
This information can be requested from the local authorities directly.
Provisional figures show that my Department has carried out over 120 inspections on dog breeding establishments on behalf of local authorities up to Q3 in 2025. Of these, 84 inspections were unannounced.
In relation to the number of enforcement actions taken, local authorities are responsible for enforcement matters under the Dog Breeding Establishment Act. Penalties for non-compliance are determined by the courts on a case by case basis when prosecutions are brought forward by local authorities.
165. Deputy Catherine Ardagh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps his Department is taking to ensure effective testing of suspected cases of HPAI H5N1. [66611/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll suspected outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry and captive birds that are reported to my Department are followed up by my Department's veterinary inspectors.
Where the suspicion of avian influenza cannot be ruled out on clinical grounds by a Departmental veterinary inspector, samples are taken and tested. My Department's laboratories test for HPAI using accredited methods in line with the EU Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza guidelines.
My Department issues regular communications regarding the threat of HPAI to Ireland's poultry industry and undertakes regular engagement with poultry industry stakeholders and with the wider public.
All poultry and captive bird keepers should remain vigilant for clinical signs of the disease and report any suspicion to their local Regional Veterinary Office without delay. More information on HPAI, including details of clinical signs, practical biosecurity recommendations, and the current HPAI situation in Ireland, can be found on the Government Website at: www.gov.ie/birdflu
166. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if we will engage with an organisation (details supplied) to discuss the way in which a financial support scheme will be designed to ensure that the heritage and tradition of inshore fishing can be maintained in coastal communities. [66247/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI acknowledge that inshore representatives have sought that my Department implement income supports for inshore fishers. This is not possible from a state aid perspective, nor is it possible to implement under the terms of the Regulation governing the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). However a range of funding supports are in place for the inshore sector, and in the past year my Department has enhanced the supports available for Ireland's small-scale inshore fishing fleet, with grant aid rates for on-board and on-shore investment of up to 80%, and up to 100% for conservation measures.
It is important to recognise that maintaining the tradition of inshore fishing requires a range of other measures, aside from funding supports. Such measures are funded by my Department, both under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) and through direct exchequer funding. They include the scientific research, conservation projects, data collection, training and skills development, and advisory services undertaken by both the Marine Institute and Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM).
In addition to the range of technical advice and guidance supports available from BIM, BIM also has a network of dedicated Regional Development Officers (RDOs) specifically to support inshore fishers.
A key concern in supporting the economic sustainability of the fleet is to support inshore fishers in getting the best price for their catch. It is widely recognised that inshore fishers are often 'price takers', and that the development of short supply chains is essential if fishers are to achieve the best value for their catch. Supports are in place specifically to guide and assist inshore fishers in this regard where a suite of training is provided by BIM.
I have met the fish Producer Organisations for the inshore sector, being the National Inshore Fishermen's Association (NIFA) and the Irish Islands Marine Resource Organisation (IIMRO), on a number of occasions, and will continue to engage with them, as I do with all fish Producer Organisations.
In that context, I must recognise the important role that fish Producer Organisations play in securing the future of inshore fishing which. extends beyond advocating for state supports.
It is important to note that work on a new Fisheries Strategy is commencing shortly. The development of that Strategy will provide an opportunity for both my Department and I to engage with industry stakeholders, and to consider the breadth of challenges facing the fleet and how these will be best addressed in coming years.
As such there are already a range of diverse supports in place that are designed to support the economic viability of inshore fishers, including funding supports, and that financial support schemes alone will not be the solution to the long-term economic viability of the sector. Pending the development of the new Fisheries Strategy, BIM will continue to provide advice, training and guidance to inshore fishers, and will continue to administer the funding schemes in place for this sector. All information in relation to services and supports for inshore fishers are available from the BIM website www.bim.ie
167. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he is taking to combat the impact of poorly managed forestry on flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66486/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department sets standards around afforestation, felling and replanting. Drainage and the management of water and water quality is a key consideration in these standards. My Department ensures standards are met through inspection processes related to licensed forestry activity and responding to reported incidence of non compliance.
Drainage is often required to grow a healthy, thriving forest. In relation to newly planted forests, many new forests are planted without new drains and for new forests where drains are required these new drains are not connected directly to rivers or streams. These drains will stop some distance from a river or stream thereby slowing the flow of water from the forest and mitigating against downstream flooding.
Planting woodlands is often utilised as a flood mitigation measure, often referred to as a nature-based solution. My Department has afforestation schemes specific to promoting water quality and addressing water related issues. These include "Forest Type 2 - Forests for water" and "Native Tree Area Scheme (NTA2)".
The forest canopy will generally reduce the amount of water reaching rivers and streams and can help regulate surface run-off during periods of heavy rain. When the forest canopy is removed at clearfell stage, conditions of felling licences granted by my Department such as sediment traps and attenuation areas are utilised to slow the flow of water and protect watercourses.
My Department has introduced a Climate Resilient Reforestation scheme. This scheme funds the creation of areas for biodiversity and water protection, with associated measures including drain-blocking, slow-water damming and the planting of widely spaced groups of native broadleaves at reforestation stage. These measures have a positive impact on both flood mitigation and water quality
168. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions his Department is taking to strengthen domestic food production and improve national food sustainability in view of recent reports highlighting risks to Ireland’s food security due to climate pressure and supply chain vulnerability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66718/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccording to the most recent Global Food Security Index, Ireland is among the most food secure countries in the world and ranks second of 113 countries assessed for food security.
Additionally, Teagasc’s recently released 2024 Sustainability Report finds that Irish farms produce protein sufficient to meet the requirements of over 36 million people, or 30 million people on a net basis.
The Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) is the critical key mechanism for ensuring food security in the European Union single market. The Government will continue to support farmers as we make payments under Ireland’s €9.8 billion CAP Strategic Plan and via specific supports, as required.
I will continue to engage actively and constructively in negotiations concerning CAP post-2027 to ensure that the agrifood sector in Ireland and Europe continues to benefit from an ambitious, workable and adequately-funded CAP that balances economic, social, and environmental sustainability and underpins food security.
I have established a CAP Post-2027 Consultative Committee and this stakeholder group will provide critical inputs as we analyse the proposals, shape our positions, and work to secure a final outcome that meets Ireland’s priorities.
The European Union communication "Safeguarding food security and reinforcing the resilience of food systems” sets out actions in the three areas of food security, stability, and sustainability.
The EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council of Ministers, of which I am a member, continues to focus on these core areas and to support the work of the European Food Security Crisis preparedness and response Mechanism (EFSCM).
The EFSCM was established in 2021 to monitor and respond to threats to EU food supply and security, including implementation of mitigation measures. My Department, other Member States and private stakeholder organisations continue to collaborate and convene periodically through the EFSCM to ensure adequate preparations for and response to potential threats to global food supply and food security.
To date, four reports on the State of Food Security in the EU have been published, and a food supply and security dashboard has been developed to monitor evolving risks to food security and supply.
Underpinning our national ambitions, Food Vision 2030, Ireland’s stakeholder strategy for the agrifood sector, aims for Ireland to become a world leader in Sustainable Food Systems. I recently announced a mid-term review of Food Vision 2030, and food security will be among the issues to be considered.
169. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the sheep welfare scheme payments were lower than anticipated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66740/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraPayment schemes for the sheep sector can be divided into two types.
1. National schemes - so in the context of sheep, the 2025 National Sheep Welfare Scheme
2. CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) schemes - so for sheep that is the Sheep Improvement Scheme (SIS)
€22 million was allocated for the continuation and expansion of the National Sheep Welfare Scheme (NSWS) measures in Budget 2025 compared to €15m in 2024.
Over 17,200 farmers submitted an application.
Applicants are required to complete 2 actions mandatory actions worth €8 per ewe and to choose one voluntary action worth €3.50 per ewe, therefore three actions overall if they wish to receive the full €11.50 payment.
In 2024, applicants who completed their 2 chosen actions were paid at a rate of €8 per breeding ewe. In 2025 the option of completing an additional action was provided within the scheme and any applicants who have selected to carry out all three actions will be paid €11.50 per breeding ewe, an increase of 44% on payment rates in 2024.
Payments for the National Sheep Welfare Scheme commenced on 10 November 2025 with €16.44 million paid to 13,175 participants. A further payrun will occur in early December 2025. All of the €22 million will be spent.
I have secured a further €22 million for a continuation of this scheme in 2026 and discussions with the farming organisations have already taken place. When the €11.50 per ewe is combined with the €12 per ewe payable under the Sheep Improvement scheme, total payments per ewe will be €23.50.
170. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of negotiations with the British government to reinstate access for Irish fishermen to their traditional fishing grounds at Rockall; if he will seek to go to international mediation or arbitration to resolve this long-running injustice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66246/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRockall is a small, uninhabitable rock located approximately 160 nautical miles west of the Scottish islands of St. Kilda, and 230 nautical miles to the north-west of Donegal. As the Deputy is aware, Ireland has not sought to claim sovereignty over Rockall. The UK claimed sovereignty over Rockall in 1955 and sought to formally annex it as part of Scotland under its 1972 Island of Rockall Act. The consistent position of successive Irish Governments is that Ireland does not recognise Britain’s claim of sovereignty over Rockall. Accordingly, Ireland does not accept that a 12 nautical mile (22km) territorial sea exists around Rockall. Ireland’s long-held view is that a rock incapable of sustaining human habitation does not allow for the creation of a territorial sea. Therefore, the agreement under the TCA relating to access to the UK 12-200 mile zone should apply inside the 12nm zone around Rockall.
We understand that the UK takes a different view.
Irish vessels have traditionally fished for haddock, which is subject to a quota limit, and squid, which is not subject to a quota limit, in the waters around Rockall. Haddock may be caught both within and outside 12 nautical miles of Rockall, but squid is caught within 6 nautical miles of Rockall. Other stocks caught in the waters around Rockall, both within the 12 miles area and outside, are monkfish and megrim.
I can assure the Deputy that reaching an agreement on matters relating to Rockall remains an important issue for the Government.
The matter has been raised previously with the First Minister of Scotland, and the Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture. The Government continues to be in regular contact with the relevant Scottish and UK authorities on Rockall and there is agreement that we will continue to work together to seek a resolution.
Through this engagement, the Government is seeking to address the issues involved, reflecting the long-standing fisheries patterns in the area.
I am committed to finding a way forward and I will continue to work closely with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee T.D., on this issue.
171. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date on strengthening the powers of the Agri-Food Regulator; if he will provide details of any organisations that have lobbied the Government against these changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65976/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe independent Agri-Food Regulator established under the Agricultural and Food Supply Chain Act 2023 performs two key functions:
• It enforces the law on unfair trading practices;
• It performs a price and market analysis and reporting function.
The Regulator has, since its establishment at the end of 2023, been delivering these functions.
As the Deputy is aware, the Agrifood Regulator has reported to me that it requires enhanced powers to compel businesses to provide information that is not in the public domain.
This relates specifically to the price and market analysis function as the Regulator already has extensive powers to compel information when pursuing complaints under unfair trading practice legislation and indeed has successfully secured a conviction under the Act.
As I have previously stated, I am fully committed to ensuring that the Regulator is equipped with the necessary powers to fulfil its statutory function, subject to the necessary consultative and legislative process. This is required to ensure that the additional powers granted are proportionate.
My officials have engaged with key stakeholders along the agrifood supply chain, including farm bodies, industry and retail representatives, Government Departments, State Agencies and, of course, the Agri Food Regulator, as part of a detailed consultative process.
Following conclusion of this consultative process, legal scrutiny of the draft statutory instrument was necessary. As this legislation is novel in nature and exceeds the requirements under European law, it was essential that it was thoroughly examined.
I can assure the Deputy that the process to deliver on this commitment is now significantly advanced. It remains a priority which has my full commitment.
I expect to be able to sign the draft statutory instrument in the coming weeks.
172. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the circumstances in which a cull of poultry may be ordered arising from an outbreak of avian influenza; and the criteria which determines if a farmer receives compensation in such circumstances. [66731/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince early November, there have been four outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) caused by the H5N1 virus in turkey flocks in counties Carlow, Meath, Monaghan, and Laois.
The Animal Health & Welfare Act 2013 states that I, as the Minister, may pay compensation to the owner of a farm animal or animal product, feed or other thing relating to a farm animal, if I have directed that the animal or item must be killed or destroyed to alleviate the risk of disease, to prevent the spread of disease or to diagnose, control or eradicate disease. Highly pathogenic avian influenza is one of the diseases to which the act applies.
Where a flock is infected with a low pathogenic avian influenza virus, this does not fall under the definition of an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza. In such a circumstance, I would not order the cull of the flock and thus the question of compensation in respect of culling would not arise.
Compensation will not be payable in respect of any animal killed or any item destroyed, if I have not directed the killing or destruction. Any compensation payable by the State will not be paid to anyone other than the owner of the animals or items affected. Consequential losses are not compensated for.
Section 35 of the Act provides that compensation may be reduced or not payable at all in a number of situations, including if an owner failed to implement appropriate biosecurity measures or if the owner failed to take reasonable measures to alleviate the risk, or spread, of disease or a disease agent.
173. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports his Department has in place for farmers impacted by coastal erosion and coastal flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66459/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has no specific supports in place for farmers impacted by coastal erosion and coastal flooding, and has no plans to introduce such supports.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage chairs the Interdepartmental Group on Coastal Change and, in conjunction with the OPW, is the policy lead, in particular coordinating the work across Government in responding to the challenge of coastal change.
174. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on his work in relation to social farming. [66739/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSocial farming is the practice of offering, on a voluntary basis, farming and horticultural participation in a farming environment as a choice to people who avail of a range of therapeutic day support services.
Funding of €1.277m is allocated in 2025 for Social Farming which allows my Department to support Social farming through its Rural Innovation and Development Fund (RIDF). Budget 2026 has recently confirmed that this funding will continue into 2026.
There are two funding streams in the RIDF dedicated to Social Farming.
The first stream is focused on the development of a national network to support and co-ordinate social farming nationally. The primary aim of this network is to expand and develop social farming nationally by increasing the number of host farms, participants, placement days and service providers engaged in social farming.
The second funding element is focused on the development of model social farming projects. These projects aim to provide the best social farming experience for the participants who can avail of the service. The projects’ goals are to foster inclusion, build self-esteem and improve health and well-being for the participants. There are currently four model projects across the country:
• Leitrim Integrated Development Company CLG – for the provision of a Social Farming Model Project where social farming is mainstreamed as an option for people accessing supports across a range of sectors and services and where placements are fully commissioned.
• Down Syndrome Ireland (Cork Branch) – which provides opportunities for participation in a purpose-built farm - the Field of Dreams - with horticulture and animal care elements which brings long lasting wellness benefits and employment opportunities to participants.
• South Kerry Development Partnership – for a Social Farming Model Project which aims to increase participant and host farmers engagement so that the social farming opportunity is available to more people in Kerry and to offer choice to people with disabilities to engage with farm families in meeting their personal life choices.
• IRD Duhallow – A Social Farming model project which promotes rehabilitation, social inclusion, training and improved quality of life in a non-clinical setting using agriculture including plants and animals for people across a wide spectrum of disability.
In 2026 my Department will again be running public procurement competitions for model projects.
Social Farming provides a planned, outcome focused, support placement for people on a farm using the natural assets of the people, the place, the activities and the community to support a person to achieve some of their own chosen goals. It is fundamentally based on spending time with farmers and their families in the natural environment of the farm, but also encompasses two other key elements; valuable, meaningful activities and social and community connection which combine to deepen its impact further and to support recovery.
My Department is committed to expanding and improving the services available to participants through our support for Social Farming endeavours across the country.
175. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has engaged with the Department of Foreign Affairs in the past 12 months regarding the Mercosur trade agreement, the number of such engagements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65975/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the Commission announced the conclusion of negotiations in December 2024, and through every subsequent stage, my Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have worked closely together to fully understand the implications of the agreement for Ireland.
The continuous engagement between both Departments has been critical to how we voice our concerns to the European Commission and to other Member States, and to how we assess whether our concerns have been adequately addressed.
During critical moments of the process this engagement has intensified, such as when, on 3rd September, the Commission put forward its proposals for the signature and conclusion of the agreement and, more recently on 8th October, when the Commission brought forward its proposal for a regulation on safeguards for sensitive agricultural products.
These engagements have ensured that Ireland, through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which has lead responsibility for trade policy, has made strong interventions at such fora as the Trade Policy Committee and Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels outlining our concerns with the agreement.
Since my appointment as Minister earlier this year, I have raised Ireland's concerns at Agri-Fish Council meetings and with like-minded Member States through bilateral meetings on the margins of these Council meetings. In recent months, I have met with my French, Italian, Austrian, Latvian and Polish counterparts to exchange views.
During these engagements, I have also repeatedly emphasised Ireland’s requirements for credible, legally-binding commitments on matters relating to trade and sustainable development, including climate, biodiversity, and deforestation protections. In addition, I have highlighted the fact that beef is a very sensitive sector, which is vulnerable to negative impacts from the Mercosur agreement.
In October the Commission made a proposal to further reinforce safeguards on imports of sensitive products through a dedicated legal act which will operationalise the Bilateral Safeguards chapter of the agreement. Ireland has sought clear, transparent and regular two-way engagement on the monitoring of the market situation for sensitive products, as well as some clarity on definitions within the regulation and the use of surveillance measures. We will continue to engage with Commission on these issues.
As it stands Ireland's position on the EU-Mercosur Agreement remains as clearly outlined in the Programme for Government: ‘Work with like-minded EU countries to stand up for Irish farmers and defend our interests in opposing the current Mercosur trade deal."
176. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the incidence of bovine tuberculosis nationally; the actions being taken to reduce herd infection levels and support affected farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66637/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraBovine TB (bTB) is an ongoing challenge for Irish farmers. In recent years there has been a significant increase in bTB levels nationally. As at 16th November 2025, over a 12-month period the herd incidence is 5.87% having started to reduce in recent months.
Over time our understanding of bovine TB has increased and evolved and research has shown that our current approach to addressing disease levels on its own was not enough to control and ultimately eradicate bovine 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.
178. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the report of the review of the 2011 Environmental Impact Assessment (Agriculture) Regulations will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66239/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am fully committed to the review of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) (Agriculture) Regulations and updating this legislation. A public consultation was conducted in respect of the EIA (Agriculture) Regulations. A total of 64 submissions were received and reviewed. Submissions were from statutory agencies, NGOs, farming organisations, farmers, and members of the public. All the submissions received through this consultation are available on my Department’s website.
My Department has reviewed the outcome of the public consultation and next steps are being considered.
180. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to list all funding schemes, grant programmes and any other financial supports that are currently administered by her Department and its agencies; the expected launch and closing dates for applications for each scheme in 2026, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66929/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has a range of funding schemes and grant programmes that contribute to the realisation of key foreign policy priorities and the promotion of Ireland's values and interests as well as supporting the provision of information about major geopolitical developments and the changing nature of Ireland’s role in the world.
A table listing all current schemes administered by my Department and its agencies, along with the expected launch and closing dates for applications in 2026 is set out below:
|
Year |
Funding scheme/ grant programme/ financial support |
Launch date |
Closing dates |
|
2026 |
Global Ireland Media Challenge |
TBC |
TBC |
|
2026 |
Emigrant Support Programme |
Quarter 1 |
Quarter 1 |
|
2026 |
Reconciliation Fund Strategic Partner Scheme |
Quarter 1 |
Quarter 1 |
|
2026 |
Reconciliation Fund |
TBC |
TBC |
|
2026 |
Simon Cumbers Media Fund |
Quarter 2/3 |
Quarter 3/4 |
|
2026 |
Africa Day |
Quarter 1 |
Quarter 1 |
|
2026 |
EU Enlargement and European Fundamental Values Fund (EEFV Fund) |
Quarter 1 |
Quarter 1 |
|
2026 |
Communicate Europe Initiative |
Quarter 1 |
Quarter 1 |
|
2026 |
Global Citizenship Education Annual Grants 2027 |
Quarter 3 |
Quarter 4 |
Further information on the Department’s main funding schemes can be found at the following link Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade funding www.gov.ie/en/de.
Further information on Irish Aid funding is available in its annual report. The latest report is for 2024 and can be found here: Annual Report 2024 | Ireland.ie www.ireland.ie/en/irish-aid/news-and-publications/annual-reports/annual-report-archive/annual-report-2024/.
