Written Answers Nos. 437-460
437. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if any Garda members who were initially due to be allocated to the South Tipperary division in 2025 were reallocated elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67154/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to fight crime and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda organisation is central to this policy.
The Garda Vote in Budget 2026 saw unprecedented funding of over €2.59 billion for this year, a 33% increase since 2021, which is supporting continued recruitment into An Garda Síochána.
While the Garda Commissioner is operationally responsible for the allocation of Garda resources and for the recruitment and training of Garda personnel, I continue to engage regularly with him to ensure our Gardaí have the resources they need.
I have been advised by the Garda authorities there was no re-allocation of probationers from the Clare/Tipperary Division.
The allocation of each Intake of newly attested probationer Gardaí and the associated consequential transfer of existing personnel is considered by the Commissioner in the context of the overall operational needs and policing priorities of the organisation, whilst also having regard to the resourcing requirements of each Garda Division.
I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that when allocating and transferring Gardaí to and from any Division, consideration is given to commitments and undertakings outlined in the Annual Policing Plan. The requirements of all Garda Divisions nationwide are also taken into account, which include:
• Local and national crime trends and workloads
• Policing arrangements and operational strategies
• Local population and trends, geographical area and size
• Transfer applications, including welfare, personnel issues and concerns.
439. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current number of Gardaí attached to each Garda station serving the south Tipperary area, including Clonmel, Cahir, Cashel, Tipperary Town and Carrick-on-Suir; the number of Garda staff in each of these stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67159/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra440. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the breakdown, by rank (Garda, sergeant, inspector, superintendent and so on) of the Gardaí currently attached to each station serving the south Tipperary area, including Clonmel, Cahir, Cashel, Tipperary Town and Carrick-on-Suir; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67160/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra441. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the headcount and full-time equivalent number of Garda members assigned to the south Tipperary area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67161/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra442. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Gardaí attached to each station serving the south Tipperary area, including Clonmel, Cahir, Cashel, Tipperary Town and Carrick-on-Suir, at 31 December in each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024, and the latest available figure for 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67163/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra443. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the total number of Gardaí assigned to the Garda districts covering south Tipperary for each of the past three years, 2022 to 2024, and the latest figure for 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67164/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 439 to 443, inclusive, together.
The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under Section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which includes the distribution and stationing of Garda personnel throughout the State.
In the interest of transparency, An Garda Síochána publishes information in relation to the allocation of Gardaí nationally. This includes a breakdown of Gardaí and Garda Staff by Division and Station in Tipperary. This can be found at the following link:
www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/human-resources-and-people-development/garda-hr-directorate/garda-strength-breakdown-2025/
The Deputy should select the most recently available date and then select the file titled ‘Garda Members by Division District Station to the most recent date" to access a breakdown of Garda members.
To access a breakdown of Garda Staff the Deputy should select the most recently available date and then select the file titled ‘Garda Staff by Division and Station to the most recent date".
It should also be noted that, with the completion of the roll-out of the Garda Operating Model to all Garda Divisions, stations are now aligned to Community Engagement Functional Areas.
444. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 will be fully commenced in order to establish the Social Impact Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67190/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 50 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 provides for the establishment and maintenance of a social impact fund by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (the Authority). The establishment of the Fund is a key priority for both myself and the Authority. The Fund will support research, education, training, gambling treatment and intervention initiatives, and public awareness activities to help tackle gambling harm. As per section 54 of the Act, the amount of contribution from licensed commercial gambling providers will be set out in regulations based on a percentage of licensees’ turnover.
The Authority intends to begin its licensing and enforcement functions on a phased basis from early next year and my officials are working with the Authority to allow for commencement of the necessary sections to facilitate that intention. As the Deputy will appreciate, the operation of the fund is contingent on the collection of contributions from licensees.
Regarding the establishment and operation of the Fund, I understand that the Authority is currently working with Pobal to establish the Fund and work is ongoing to inform the overall strategy for the Fund, including an initial assessment of the level of need and evaluating priorities around the allocation of funding. Furthermore, a consultation process through a ‘Call for Input’ concluded on 15 May 2025, with details published online: Social Impact Fund - Call for Input | Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (www.grai.ie/social-impact-fund/social-impact-fund-call-for-input). This work will assist in determining the appropriate percentage level for annual contributions by licensees.
445. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when the advertising provisions under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024; namely the provisions relating to advertisements targeting children, will be commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67191/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt its heart, the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 is a public health measure aimed at protecting our citizens from gambling harm, including younger people and those more vulnerable in our communities. The Act provides for a number of safeguards to protect people from those harms, such as:
• Section 149 provides for a watershed prohibiting gambling advertising between 5.30am - 9pm, while separately, section 148 prohibits advertising that portrays gambling as attractive to children;
• Section 144 provides for a wide-ranging power to allow the Authority to prescribe the times, place and events where gambling advertising can be broadcast, displayed or published, and allows the Authority to specify the frequency which advertising can be shown or broadcast and the duration of such advertisements;
• Section 146 provides that advertising of gambling activities on social media or video-sharing services may only be permitted where a person has an account on a social media or video sharing service and has specifically subscribed to a licensee’s account on that service;
• Section 151 Act prohibits the manufacture, import for sale in the State, or the sale or supply (including free of charge) of branded clothing or merchandise, by a licensee, that are intended to be worn or used by children; and
• Section 159 of the Act prohibits a licensee from sponsoring or causing another person to sponsor:
• an event or part of an event where the majority or participants or attendees are children.
• an event aimed at children;
• an organisation, club or team that has children as members;
• a premises that is used by an organisation, club or team that has children as members; or
• a public activity that appeals to children.
The Authority intends to begin its licensing and enforcement functions on a phased basis from early next year. As the Deputy will appreciate, the protections and safeguards provided for in the Act are contingent on licences being issued by the Authority. In that context, the relevant provisions of the Act will be commenced, as appropriate, once the Authority undertakes its licensing functions.
446. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if an application was considered as a Section 16 application (details supplied) as opposed to a naturalisation application; if form 8 is required for Section 16 applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67237/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that all applications based on Section 15 or Section 16 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, are considered applications for a certificate of naturalisation. All such applications are assessed individually based on the respective provisions of the Act.
Section 15 sets out the statutory conditions that must be fulfilled for a certificate of naturalisation to be granted. Section 16 gives discretion to waive the statutory conditions in certain circumstances, including where the applicant is of Irish descent or Irish associations (related through blood, affinity or adoption to a person who is or is entitled to be an Irish citizen).
As outlined to the person concerned, they may apply for naturalisation under Section 16 of the Act through the online digital application, which can be accessed here: ISD Online Forms
It is also open to the person cited to request a paper application form through my Department’s Customer Service Portal. The Portal can be accessed at the following link: []Home
I wish to advise you that due to the administrative nature of paper-based applications, they will take longer to process than online digital applications.
As an Oireachtas member, the Deputy can also request the status of individual immigration cases by e-mail, using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process.
447. Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the revised plans for a location (details supplied); the consultation that has taken place or will take place with the local communities of the Ward, Ashbourne and Ratoath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67250/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraA record capital investment of €67.9 million is being provided to the Irish Prison Service in 2026 and this forms part of a total capital investment of €527 million for the period 2026 to 2030. €495 million is being provided for capital works to build on a plan to deliver 1,595 prison spaces by 2031.
This will be the largest ever building programme in the prison estate and will include a large extension to the existing Cork Prison on the site of the old decommissioned Cork Prison. The programme will include a new block in Wheatfield, an additional block extension at Midlands prison, as well as additional spaces at Castlerea, Mountjoy, Cloverhill, Portlaoise, Limerick and Dóchas. It will also fund planning and commencement of the construction of a new prison at the Thornton site in North County Dublin.
A master plan for the Thornton site will be developed in 2026, determining its future use as a combined site for use by the IPS, International Protection Accommodation Services and An Garda Síochána.
As the project progresses, I can assure the Deputy there will be stakeholder engagement as part of a considered planning process.
448. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures his Department is preparing to support derogation farmers in the event that Ireland is unable to secure a further extension of the Nitrates Derogation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65974/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to seeking to retain the nitrates derogation and the dual objective of improving water quality.
Earlier this month I welcomed Commissioner Roswall to Ireland where she witnessed our unique grass-based system and the on-going work across the agrifood sector to reduce its impact on water quality.
Indeed, there is currently very significant engagement across the entire agrifood sector to improve water quality. It is vital that we continue and build on this and retention of the derogation will be paramount in this regard.
Significant resources and funding have been made available, both by industry and by Government, to facilitate an improvement in water quality, including the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme or ASSAP where we now have 20 State funded specialist water quality advisors complemented by a further 40 advisors funded by industry providing free advice to farmers in priority areas for action.
The €60m 'Farming for Water' European Innovation Partnership (EIP) is funded by my Department along with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Led by LAWPRO, it is building on ASSAP's work by providing funding to support farmers to adopt specific targeted additional measures above regulatory requirements.
Teagasc's 'Better Farming for Water' Campaign is promoting key actions for change related to nutrient management, farmyard management and land management, and many dairy co-ops have developed sustainability schemes setting standards for environmental protection, including water quality.
Accelerated Capital Allowances are available for investment in slurry storage, allowing the investment to be written off against tax over just two years.
For farmers going beyond regulatory requirements, my Department is also providing TAMS grant aid support for low emission slurry spreading equipment and manure storage. Since 2015 a total of over €153m has been paid to support investments on family farms in manure storage and low emission slurry spreading technology.
All these actions will require time before their full water quality impact becomes visible. However, firmly believe the industry is willing to continue working hard to reduce its impact.
To achieve this we must recognise the work that is taking place.
My Department will continue engaging with the European Commission and our fellow Member States to ensure we get the best possible outcome for Ireland post-2025, both to retain the nitrates derogation as well as to improve water quality. I remain confident regarding achievement of these twin objectives.
449. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has concerns over Ireland’s nitrates derogation in light of repeated EPA warnings regarding nutrient pollution in rivers and lakes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59710/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRetaining Ireland's nitrates derogation is a key Government priority justified by Ireland's unique grass-based system and the engagement that is taking place across our agrifood sector to reduce its impact on water quality.
The EPA Water Quality report 2019-2024, published in October, confirms that 52% of surface waters are in a satisfactory ecological condition. This is an overall decline from 54% since the 2016-2021 assessment. However, the EPA report also identifies there has been a reduction in nitrogen concentrations in rivers since the last assessment period especially within the south, southeast and east of the country.
In addition, the EPA report highlights that where there has been coordinated and targeted action, phosphorus levels are reducing. This demonstrates that the “targeting the right measure in the right place” approach works.
It is critically important that the great work taking place on farms to reduce agriculture’s impact continues and intensifies as called for by the EPA.
The way we will achieve this is through the proposed next Nitrates Action Programme, which is currently open to public consultation, along with securing Ireland’s next nitrates derogation. To achieve progress there is a need to recognise the efforts being made across the agrifood sector to reduce its impact on water quality.
It is also important to bear in mind that the loss of Ireland's nitrates derogation may have negative unintended consequences.
An environmental and economic modelling report from Teagasc, commissioned by my Department, shows removal of the derogation risks resulting in a move away from our grass-based system. Such a move would be negative for biodiversity and may do nothing to improve water quality.
The loss of the derogation would likely increase demand for land to offset the impact of reduced stocking rate limits.
Competition for such land would impact all sectors and may also impact on our ambitions to increase the area under organics and forestry, which are also key government priorities.
450. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on the bovine TB eradication programme. [66901/25]
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.
Some of the measures were introduced immediately in terms of communication and engagement with farmers while others will be introduced over the coming months. 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 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.
451. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals that he will outline at the EU Agriculture Council in relation to the absolute need to protect food production in Europe, with particular reference to the food sector in this country, in all discussions on the proposed Mercosur trade deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66906/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government is clear, whereby it includes a commitment to “work with like-minded EU countries to stand up for Irish farmers and defend our interests in opposing the current Mercosur trade deal”.
Irish and EU farmers are subject to complex regulations requiring them to farm in a sustainable manner, and we want the Commission to ensure that all food imports to the EU are farmed in a sustainable manner. We also want the Commission to ensure that food safety standards continue to be rigorously enforced in respect of all food products imported from third countries.
Along with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, who has lead responsibility for trade policy, I have actively engaged with both the European Commission and with other Member States across the EU to voice these and other concerns in relation to the EU-Mercosur Agreement.
During these engagements, we 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. We have repeatedly emphasised that beef in particular is a very sensitive sector, which is vulnerable to negative impacts from the 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, Italian, Austrian, Latvian and Polish counterparts to exchange views.
Ireland's position on the EU-Mercosur Agreement remains as clearly outlined in the Programme for Government.
452. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to list all funding schemes, grant programmes and any other financial supports that are currently administered by his Department and its agencies; the expected launch and closing dates for applications for each scheme in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66922/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is being collated by my Department and a response will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
453. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures in place to support biodiversity restoration; and to provide examples of where these are having an impact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67038/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is supporting farmers in the critical work that they undertake in conserving and restoring nature and biodiversity, across many fronts.
The Deputy may be aware that I secured an allocation of €280m funding in the 2026 budget for the flagship agri-environment scheme, ACRES.
Almost 54,000 farmers are participating in ACRES. These farmers are undertaking actions that support nature, biodiversity and the environment. Both ACRES General and ACRES CP actions focus on habitat and biodiversity improvement measures with over one million hectares scored for habitat condition.
By way of example of impact, some 870 kilometres of field boundaries are supported through ACRES providing ecosystem services including in relation to wild bird and pollinator populations.
My Department's ECO Scheme rewards over 100,000 farmers in providing Space for Nature.
In 2025, 85% of farmers selected the Eco-Scheme agricultural practice 1 ‘Space for Nature’ option, requiring a minimum of either 7% or 10% space for nature on their land to qualify. This practice aims to contribute to halting and reversing biodiversity loss, enhancing ecosystem services and preserving habitats and landscapes.
My Department also supports some 100,000 farmers through the Areas of Natural Constraint scheme, this land tends to have a high value in terms of nature and biodiversity.
Forestry is a key support of nature and biodiversity. Funding of €93 million for the forestry sector was secured in the 2026 budget, which is a 5.7% increase on the 2025 allocation.
Earlier this year I announced the awarding of €17.8 million to eleven European Innovation Partnership projects (EIP's) on the theme of environmental sustainability.
These key projects will promote regenerative agriculture practices to restore soil health, enhance biodiversity and improve the resilience of Irish farming systems. This builds on the existing catalogue of successful EIPs supported by my Department such as Waters for Life and Breeding Waders projects.
My Department is committed to supporting farmers and foresters in respect of nature restoration in 2026.
454. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures in place to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events on agricultural output. [67039/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has provided assistance to farmers on many occasions over the years where they have been badly affected by severe weather events. The Fodder Transport Measure and assistance to farmers in the Shannon Callows, Shass Mountain and most recently in the Cooley Peninsula are just some of the examples where my Department has provided such assistance.
In the aftermath of Storm Éowyn my Department has assisted farmers through the TAMS programme for onsite generators and replacement of farm buildings which have been partially damaged.
In February this year, I announced €32.4 million of payments under the Tillage and Horticulture Support Scheme, which was Government’s response to the difficult position tillage and horticultural farmers found themselves in due to exceptionally poor weather and continued high input costs in the Spring of 2024.
455. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures in place to increase domestic production in areas where there is high import dependency. [67040/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2024, agrifood exports reached a record €19 billion, an achievement which is a testament to the dedication of our farmers and fishers, food producers, processors, manufacturers and distributors.
The Irish agrifood sector has once again demonstrated its resilience, innovation and adaptability and continues to develop new market opportunities and thrive on the world stage. The sector is globally oriented, with approximately 90% of Irish beef, sheepmeat and dairy produce exported annually.
Demand for animal protein on international markets is increasing with population, urbanisation and affluence and the agrifood sector’s export focus ensures Ireland is well placed to play a role in meeting this demand.
Irish agrifood exports enjoy a deserved global reputation for excellence. In 2024, agrifood produce was exported to over 190 countries. Our three largest export categories by value were: Dairy, valued at €6.5 billion; Beef, valued at €3.1 billion; and Beverages, valued at €2.2 billion.
Agrifood imports were €13.9 billion in 2024 with a resulting Trade Balance (agrifood exports less imports) of some €5.1 billion. Agrifood sector trade is broken down into 22 categories and of these, Ireland has a positive trade balance for eight product categories: Dairy, Beef, Beverages, Pigmeat, Live Animals, Fish, Sheepmeat and Animal hides.
Of the remaining 14 categories, the top five import categories by value with a negative trade balance were Animal feed (14%), Cereal & cereal preparation (10%), Fruit and vegetables (8%), Coffee, tea, Cocoa, Sugar and Spices (7%) and Forestry and Wood Products (6%).
Food Vision 2030 sets out a clear roadmap for the sustainable development of the sector, with environmental, economic, and social sustainability at its core. Its ambition is for Ireland to continue to be a world leader in sustainable food systems.
The Food Vision 2030 Annual Reports 2022- 2024 and dashboard (available on my Department’s website) outlines the progress achieved, including:
• The work of the Food Vision Tillage Group, whose report highlights the significant role the tillage sector plays in Ireland’s food and feed security and our ambition to grow the sector.
• The National Strategy for Horticulture 2023 to 2027, which seeks to grow a more profitable value-added sector driven by sustainability and innovation.
• Ireland’s Forest Strategy (2023 – 2030) a shared national vision for the role of forests, and trees in Ireland’s future.
I have recently announced a mid-term review of Food Vision to reflect on what has been achieved and to consider how Food Vision 2030 can evolve to support our ongoing ambitions for the sector.
456. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress in emission reduction targets in areas that are the responsibility of his Department; which measures are particularly successful and which measures are underperforming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67041/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe agriculture sector is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030. A 1.7% reduction in emissions was achieved by the sector in 2024, building on a 4.8% reduction in 2023, relative to 2022. This is the third year in a row that emissions reduced from the sector.
The Department of Climate, Energy and Environment are the competent authority for air quality. However, as agriculture accounts for virtually all ammonia emissions (>99%) my Department has implemented measures to reduce ammonia emissions over the last number of years. The EPA’s May 2025 report highlights that in 2023 Ireland was in compliance with EU Ammonia emission targets, but that more challenging targets come into effect in 2030.
Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS) and use of inhibited urea are two of the main mitigation measures for reducing ammonia emissions and are also key in progressing towards our climate targets.
Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS) has been rolled out as a mandatory measure in the Nitrates Regulations and LESS equipment is also available for grant aid through my Departments Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS). The most recent EPA Inventory report calculates 61% of slurry is now applied using LESS.
The volume of inhibited chemical Nitrogen fertilisers purchased by Irish farmers was increased by 18% in 2022/2023 and by 50% in 2023/2024. Under the Nitrates Regulations a restriction on the use of uninhibited urea in granular form came into effect in September this year.
Farmers are contributing to reducing the overall use of Nitrogen fertilisers through the Multi-Species Sward and Red Clover Silage Measures, and the Organic Farming Scheme. In the last five years (2021-2025), the number of farmers in the Organic Farming Scheme has increased to 5,500 farmers.
The recent trajectory on Green House Gas and Ammonia emissions is reflective of the commitments made by the agricultural sector towards meeting Ireland’s commitments as set out in the national climate and air quality plans.
457. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the frequency of dog warden patrols in Tolka Valley park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67059/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra458. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the target frequency of dog warden patrols in parks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67060/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 457 and 458 together.
My Department, following transfer of functions from the Department of Community, Rural Development and the Gaeltacht in June 2025, has overall policy responsibility for the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 and subsequent revisions. However, it remains the case that local authorities, through the Dog Warden Service, have responsibility for all operational matters under the Control of Dogs Acts, including enforcement. The operational deployment of dog wardens in these circumstances remains a matter for each local authority to consider.
459. D'fhiafraigh Deputy John Connolly den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara an dtabharfaidh sé uasdátú maidir leis an bhforbairt ar chéibh Ros a' Mhíl; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [67089/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCuireadh tús leis an tionscadal chun Cé Dhomhain a thógáil i Lárionad Chuan Iascaigh Ros an Mhíl i mí Eanáir 2023 agus bhí sé ag dul ar aghaidh mar a bhí beartaithe. Bhí an cead pleanála a deonaíodh le dul in éag ar an 11 Iúil 2023, sula dtabharfaí na hoibreacha chun críche. Rinne Innealtóirí Comhairleacha de chuid na Roinne iarratas ar shíneadh chuig an Údarás Pleanála, Comhairle Chontae na Gaillimhe, i mí na Bealtaine 2023. Deonaíodh síneadh 5 bliana i mí Iúil 2023.
I mí na Samhna 2023, fuair an Roinn fógra faoi Athbhreithniú Breithiúnach ag agóid i gcoinne an chinnidh síneadh a chur leis an tréimhse pleanála. Ní raibh an Roinn seo ach ina Fógra-Pháirtí sna himeachtaí sin. Éisteadh an tAthbhreithniú Breithiúnach san Ard-Chúirt i mí Dheireadh Fómhair 2024. Eisíodh ordú certiorari, lena ndearnadh cinneadh pleanála Chomhairle Chontae na Gaillimhe síneadh a chur le ré fhorbairt na Cé Doimhne a neamhniú.
Chuir comhairleoirí na Roinne tús le hIarratas ar Thoiliú Ionaid a ullmhú i mí Lúnasa 2024. Cuireadh Cuid a hAon den Iarratas ar Thoiliú Ionaid faoi bhráid an Choimisiúin Pleanála an 31ú Deireadh Fómhair 2025 faoi fhorálacha alt 177E den Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt, 2000, arna leasú, le haghaidh cead cúlghabhálach i ndáil le hoibreacha forbartha a rinneadh idir 11ú Iúil 2023 agus 20ú Bealtaine 2024. Tá na sonraí le feiceáil ar shuíomh Gréasáin an Choimisiúin Pleanála: www.pleanala.ie/en-ie/case/323827.
Cuireadh Cuid a Dó den iarratas faoi bhráid an Choimisiúin Pleanála an 24 Samhain 2025 faoi fhorálacha alt 37L den Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt, 2000, arna leasú, le haghaidh cead tabhairt faoi na hoibreacha atá fós le dhéanamh chun an fhorbraíocht a thabhairt chun críche. Ní féidir meastachán a dhéanamh ar chreat ama an phróisis phleanála.
Nuair a bheidh cinneadh déanta ag an gCoimisiún Pleanála , agus má dheonaítear an toiliú ionaid, tá sé deacair a mheas go baileach cá fhad a thógfaidh sé an tionscadal a thabhairt chun críche. Mar sin féin, tá coinne leis go dtabharfar é chun críche laistigh de 20-24 mhí.
460. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to request an emergency meeting with his EU counterparts to address the cuts to Ireland's fishing quotas, especially the proposed cut of 70% to Ireland's mackerel quota in 2026, following on from previous cuts of 26% in 2024 as a result of Brexit, 22% in 2025; his views on whether these cuts will have a devastating impact on the Irish fishing fleet and processors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67196/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am acutely aware that the scale of the reductions indicated by scientific advice for some of Ireland's key fish stocks is a matter of grave concern for Ireland's seafood sector, and the coastal communities which are dependent upon it economically.
Regarding the matter of the overfishing of Mackerel by some Coastal States outside the EU, I raised the issue as an AOB at the October Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers, calling for urgent action at EU level to protect our key pelagic stocks. I reiterated this again last week at the November AgriFish Council Meeting.
I will continue to highlight this critical issue for our fishers, and to engage intensively with the European Commissioner for Fisheries and other Member States on possible actions to protect our stocks.
At the November Council meeting, I also confirmed Ireland’s intention to invoke the Hague Preferences at the appropriate time. The Hague Preferences give Ireland an increased share of important fish stocks when TAC levels reduce below a specified level. I made clear to Member States at the November Council meeting that the Hagues are a fundamental part of relative stability and have been recognised as such in the legal framework of the Common Fisheries Policy since 1983 when the CFP was established.
Most of the EU fish stocks for which Ireland has quota are shared with Third Countries. The European Commission has sole competence to negotiate with Third Countries on behalf of the EU and my priority is that the EU secures the best possible outcome for the Irish fishing community.
As we move towards the finalisation of setting the 2026 fishing opportunities at the December Agriculture and Fisheries Council, my focus over the coming weeks is to continue to work towards the best possible outcome for Ireland’s seafood sector in 2026 - one that ensures the sustainability of the stocks and a level playing field for our fleet.
