Written Answers Nos. 454-476
454. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress which has been made regarding securing a market for sheep wool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67453/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe marketing of Irish sheep wool is a commercial activity for the wool industry; however, I am aware that the price of wool has been at a low level for some time and that developing new markets is key to the growth of the sector.
My Department has taken several steps to support Irish wool and to find new markets. This included an in-depth study of the Irish wool market called Review Of Market Opportunities For Irish-Grown Wool Based Products, which was published in 2022.
In support of the recommendations of the report, €30,000 in seed funding was committed to the establishment of the independent Irish Grown Wool Council, which was launched in 2023.
Another step has been the allocation of research funding for the SPRING WOOL project. This is a Munster Technological University-led project that focuses on removing obstacles to the sale of Irish wool and providing a springboard for innovation in the sector. The project has received €574,683 in funding and involves different strands of research to develop Irish wool as a valuable, sustainable product.
I am also aware that further research funding of €657,403 has been provided by the Environmental Protection Agency to UCC for their Regenerative Value Systems for Irish Grown Wool in Ireland project. Its aim is to re-establish a sustainable wool sector in Ireland to benefit stakeholders along the value chain.
Additionally, my Department is subsidising sheep shearing under the 2025 National Sheep Welfare Scheme (NSWS), which is worth €22 million to farmers this year.
455. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the type of training provided to staff within his Department in the use of, or understanding of artificial intelligence; if a programme is planned for all staff on their obligations under the EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67455/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has an Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy in place which has been communicated to all staff. This policy defines AI and guidance in its use and their obligations under the EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act. My Department has AI Compliance training in place for all staff within the Department and provides training on AI and information specific to the public service regarding legal requirements, responsibilities, and opportunities related to AI.
My Department is in the process of designing a comprehensive training plan on the use of AI in line with our obligations under Article 4 of the EU AI Act. This training will be rolled out in due course. My Department continues to comply with guidance provided by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) on the use of and application of AI, including Generative AI.
456. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will intervene to resolve a long-running issue affecting a payment (details supplied). [67522/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted an application under the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) General stream and was approved into Tranche 1 of the scheme, with a commencement date of 1st January 2023.
My Department has been in regular contact with the herdowner and his advisor in relation to outstanding payments for the Riparian Buffer Zone action and Low Input Grassland action on this contract. These actions were not paid as the applicant initially had an invalid crop code listed for the parcels in question on the 2023 Basic Income Support for Sustainability Scheme (BISS) application. This has since been amended on BISS, and ACRES officials have advised the person named that this will be corrected in our financial reconciliation process for 2023 and 2024 Scheme Years when this is in place.
I have made further enquiries with regard to 2025 ACRES Advance payments in this case, and I can confirm that my Department is working to reinstate the actions in question on this contract in order for payment to issue correctly in respect of 2025.
I can assure you that everything is being done to pay, as soon as possible, all ACRES participants who clear prepayment checks.
457. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions his Department will take to close puppy farms. [67561/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 1 August 2025, all policy and legislative responsibility for the Dog Breeding Establishments Act (2010) transferred to my Department. Under the act Local authorities retain responsibility for all operational and enforcement matters.
All dog breeding establishments (DBEs) must undergo an annual veterinary inspection. The inspections are carried out by my Department and by local authority dog wardens.
A high-level Dog Control Stakeholder Group was established last year to consider policy and legislative matters, specifically the Dog Control Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act. The group’s remit includes considering the need for legislative change. I am committed to reviewing all legislation relating to dogs and in this regard will be guided by the recommendations of the group. I expect the group to revert to me with recommendations on the matter in due course.
458. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans to have an agriculture attaché to the Irish embassy in Singapore; the locations currently where agriculture attaché are located at Irish embassies worldwide, in tabular form. [67637/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of the key objectives of Food Vision 2030, the shared stakeholder strategy for the agrifood sector, is to explore, develop and maintain overseas market opportunities for Ireland's high quality, sustainably produced food and beverages.
To assist this objective, my Department has a network of Counsellors and Attachés who are seconded to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and based in a variety of Irish Embassies across the world. In their postings, our network of Counsellors and Attachés work closely with the Bord Bia overseas team and other State Agencies to promote high quality Irish food and drinks and assist companies in maximising opportunities to export their products.
At present there are no plans to appoint an Agriculture Attaché at the Irish Embassy in Singapore. However, Bord Bia does have a presence in Singapore.
The table below shows the current locations of Agriculture Counsellors and Attachés posted abroad.
|
Attaché Embassy Locations |
|
London, United Kingdom |
|
Brussels, Belgium |
|
Berlin, Germany |
|
Rome, Italy |
|
Paris, France |
|
Geneva, Switzerland |
|
Washington, United States |
|
Mexico City, Mexico |
|
Beijing, China |
|
Tokyo, Japan |
|
Seoul, Korea |
459. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will engage with stakeholders including NPWS, Teagasc, county councils, and the fire service to develop a multiyear fire prevention plan for the Comeragh Mountains, addressing the increased risk posed by heavy heather growth and rising tourist numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67704/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides advice and information to the forestry sector, landowners and relevant state agencies in relation to forest fire risk monitoring, prevention and management. This is available on my Department’s website.
My Department provides advance warnings regarding wildfire risk through the main fire risk period from March to September. During 2025 my Department issued nine Fire Danger Notices in response to periods of increased fire risk. These fire risk notices give landowners and managers time to prepare equipment and people, and to take steps to prevent and reduce losses from fire.
My Department also issues reminders to farmers that illegal burning of agricultural lands may result in the loss of agricultural payments and penalties. In recent years we have seen a marked reduction in uncontrolled fires arising from agricultural burning.
The Comeragh Mountains SAC falls entirely within ACRES Leinster (East South East) Co-operation Zone. Within ACRES, bracken management falls into two actions; Bracken Strimming and Bracken Mechanical. These actions are both available under ACRES Co-operation Non-Productive Investments (NPIs) and Landscape Actions (LAs).
While my Department currently has no plans to develop a multiyear fire prevention plan specifically for the Comeragh Mountains, my Department, through the funding for European Innovation Partnerships (EIP) and ACRES have supported and are supporting landowners who have included fire risk reduction and fire prevention components into their scheme proposals. I am aware that landowners in the Comeragh Mountains have availed of both EIP and ACREs funding.
460. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the impact of current burning restrictions under the Wildlife Act 1976 on upland farmers, particularly in relation to CAP payment eligibility, and consider introducing a regulated application process similar to the EIA legislation for hedgerow removal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67705/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraLand eligibility under the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) and other area-based schemes, is governed by both EU Regulations and Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan. For a land parcel to be eligible under the BISS scheme, agricultural activity must be occurring on that parcel. Agricultural activity is the use of the parcel to produce agricultural products, such as livestock rearing and fattening, milk production, the growing of fodder crops (silage, hay), tillage and energy crops or involve the maintenance of the agricultural area.
The definition of agricultural activity considers the physical limitations that certain parcels can be constrained by, in particular hill and upland parcels. Acknowledging the limitations that parcels may be subject to, certain maintenance activities, if carried out correctly, will qualify as an agricultural activity. Controlled burning of land carried out at the correct time of the year is one such activity but should be seen as an activity of last resort, having exhausted all other alternatives.
In terms of controlled burning, lands will remain eligible where controlled burning has been carried out at the right time of the year (between 1st September and 28th February) in full compliance with all relevant environmental legislative requirements and any other lawful requirements, having first consulted with and notified An Garda Síochána and the local fire service. In the case of Natura lands (lands designated as SAC and/or SPA) or NHA lands, prior approval must be obtained through the Activities Requiring Consent (ARC) system as implemented by National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS), DAFM or Local Authority.
Land burned at the wrong time of the year or carried out in an uncontrolled manner is ineligible for payment.
Agricultural Activity, including controlled burning is governed by EU Regulations, Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan and national legislation including the Wildlife Act 1976 and there are no plans foreseen to review the current land eligibility rules including controlled burning.
461. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures being taken to address the encroachment of bracken on upland areas (details supplied) which is reducing biodiversity and farming viability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67706/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI note that the upland areas to which the Deputy refers are the Comeragh Mountains, which is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) with a diverse range of habitats, including blanket bog, heath, upland grassland, scree, exposed rock, lakes and streams. The blanket bog represents the south-eastern extremity of the range of this habitat type in Ireland. Overall, this site is of considerable conservation importance.
Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) is a common fern in the Irish countryside. Under certain conditions, such as where there has been heavy grazing or fires, bracken can become dominant and where it does so, it can lead to the loss of protected habitats and loss of grazing land. It can also be poisonous to livestock, and it can provide a refuge for ticks, which can transmit Lyme’s disease.
With reference to measures being taken to address the encroachment of bracken, there are certain measures available under the Co-operation approach of the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES). The Comeragh Mountains SAC falls entirely within the East Southeast ACRES Co-operation Zone, which falls within the remit of the ACRES Leinster Co-Operation Project (CP) Team. There are two actions in relation to bracken management that ACRES Co-operation participants may avail of, in the form of Non-Productive Investments (NPIs) and Landscape Actions (LAs), with those actions being ‘Bracken Strimming’ and ‘Bracken Mechanical’.
These actions are targeted at areas where encroaching bracken poses a threat to protected habitats, grazed habitats, to livestock or public health, to areas where scorecards are losing marks due to encroaching bracken, and also to areas of dense bracken at key locations where it is interfering with access.
ACRES Co-operation participants may not apply for NPIs on commonage lands, but Landscape Actions are possible, with applications submitted by the ACRES CP Teams on behalf of the participants.
Applications were received, in the most recent Landscape Action application window, for bracken removal (LA Bracken Strimming and LA Bracken Mechanical) in respect of a total of 15.56 hectares. All such Landscape Action applications are now undergoing environmental screening by the relevant CP Teams.
462. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 801 of 12 November 2025 if he will confirm the money allocated to each project application in 2025 under the equine technical support scheme, the percentage rate of funding; the unsuccessful applications, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67718/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2025 my Department provided for an overall budget of €854,000 under the Equine Technical Support Scheme. The scheme supports the development of our native equine industry through targeted investment under three programme headings, namely
-General Programme;
-Training/Education Programme; and
- Research into Equine Diseases Programmes.
The information requested by the Deputy in respect of the Equine Technical Support Scheme 2025 is as follows:
ETS Projects Approved 2025
|
Year |
Recipient |
Project |
Funding approved |
Rate of aid (%) |
|
2025 |
Connemara Pony Breeders' Society |
Parentage Verification for First Time Registrations 2025 |
€86,716.00 |
70% |
|
2025 |
Connemara Pony Breeders' Society |
AIM’S Reset API |
€6,650.00 |
70% |
|
2025 |
Connemara Pony Breeders' Society |
Database upgrades |
€1,470.00 |
70% |
|
2025 |
Connemara Pony Breeders' Society |
Database upgrades |
€1,435.00 |
70% |
|
2025 |
Connemara Pony Breeders' Society |
Online Inspection entry |
€7,770.00 |
70% |
|
2025 |
Connemara Pony Breeders' Society |
IT development |
€8,155.00 |
70% |
|
2025 |
Connemara Pony Breeders' Society |
IT development |
€15,155.00 |
70% |
|
2025 |
Connemara Pony Breeders' Society |
Online Show Entry |
€9,275.00 |
70% |
|
2025 |
Connemara Pony Breeders' Society |
Purchase of new passport stud machine |
€4,033.74 |
70% |
|
2025 |
Connemara Pony Breeders' Society |
CPBS Stand at the RDS (Dublin Horse Show) 2025 |
€11,655.00 |
100% |
|
2025 |
Connemara Pony Breeders' Society |
Marketing and Promotion |
€16,000.00 |
80% |
|
2025 |
Connemara Pony Breeders' Society |
Inspections within the CPBS Studbook |
€79,142.00 |
70% |
|
2025 |
Connemara Pony Breeders' Society |
Connemara Pony Breeders Education Initiative 2025: Bridging Tradition and Innovation |
€11,211.20 |
80% |
|
2025 |
Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) |
Exhibit at Royal Dublin Society - Dublin Horse Show 2025 |
€10,681.63 |
33% |
|
2025 |
Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) |
Horse Sport Ireland Studbook foal DNA Typing (Parentage verification and genotyping) |
€114,100.00 |
70% |
|
2025 |
Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) |
Genetic Indexing |
€6,174.00 |
70% |
|
2025 |
Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) |
Irish Cob Studbook Stallion, Mare & Gelding Inspections. |
€6,064.80 |
70% |
|
2025 |
Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) |
Selection of Mares in the Irish Draught, Irish Sport Horse and Irish Sport Pony Studbooks |
€54,079.20 |
70% |
|
2025 |
Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) |
Lean processing – Passporting and registrations services |
€22,000.00 |
50% |
|
2025 |
Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) |
Irish Draught, Irish Sport Horse, and Irish Sport Pony Studbook Stallion Selections |
€38,026.52 |
70% |
|
2025 |
Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) |
HorseSource I.T. Development |
€50,000.00 |
70% |
|
2025 |
Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) |
Customer Services Training |
€1,500.00 |
50% |
|
2025 |
Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) |
Studbook Arena Party Training |
€5,166.00 |
100% |
|
2025 |
Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) |
Exchange of Information for Inspection Processes - Irish Draughts 2025 |
€7,104.00 |
100% |
|
2025 |
Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) |
Linear Profiling & Research Dissemination |
€5,180.00 |
70% |
|
2025 |
Warmblood Studbook of Ireland (WSI) |
Advanced Training in Evaluation of Conformation, Gaits, Loose-Jumping, and Arena Jumping Using WSI's Linear Profile System |
€6,846.41 |
100% |
|
2025 |
Warmblood Studbook of Ireland (WSI) |
Equipment for Studbook Development |
€4,515.28 |
70% |
|
2025 |
Warmblood Studbook of Ireland (WSI) |
Stallion Inspections for Designation as WSI Approved Stallion |
€12,878.48 |
70% |
|
2025 |
Warmblood Studbook of Ireland (WSI) |
WFFS1 Testing of Fillies, Approved Mares, and Studbook Mares |
€2,730.00 |
70% |
|
2025 |
Kerry Bog Pony Co-operative Society Limited |
Studbook Development: Kerry Bog Pony Studbook Inspections |
€4,900.00 |
70% |
|
2025 |
Kerry Bog Pony Co-operative Society Limited |
Studbook Marketing: Kerry Bog pony Pop-up banners and associated marketing materials |
€1,168.50 |
100% |
|
2025 |
Kerry Bog Pony Co-operative Society Limited |
Education and Training: Training seminar covering the importance of Kerry Bog Pony Inspections to the Studbook |
€2,100.00 |
100% |
|
2025 |
Irish Harness Racing Association CLG |
PA System |
€9,850.00 |
50% |
|
2025 |
Irish Harness Racing Association CLG |
Upgrading IHRA Vaccination and Medication Database |
€17,500.00 |
70% |
|
2025 |
Irish Harness Racing Association CLG |
Upgrade of Passport producing equipment |
€990.50 |
70% |
|
2025 |
Irish Harness Racing Association CLG |
National Ploughing Championship 2025 |
€6,069.00 |
100% |
|
2025 |
Irish Harness Racing Association CLG |
Number Cloth Identification System 2025 |
€9,120.00 |
70% |
|
2025 |
Irish Harness Racing Association CLG |
Irish Harness Racing Stud Book Development |
€3,194.80 |
70% |
|
2025 |
Irish Harness Racing Association CLG |
Breeding Performance Authentication 2025 |
€40,000.00 |
70% |
|
2025 |
University College Dublin |
Decoding the uterine microbiome in healthy fertile mares: a path for practical applications |
€48,842.00 |
100% |
|
2025 |
University College Dublin |
Placentitis in Irish Broodmares: Examining diagnostic methods to maximise mare and foal health and welfare |
€37,000.64 *REVISED TO: €36,738.28 |
100% |
|
2025 |
Irish Equine Centre (IEC) |
Molecular characterization of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates from Irish Horses |
€122,648.40 |
100% |
|
2025 |
ITBA |
ITBA Education Programme 2025 |
€9,409.00 |
100% |
|
2025 |
Irish Horse Board (IHB) |
Education & Training-Marketing skills for breeders and producers to maximise their market opportunities |
€27,372.50 |
100% |
|
2025 |
Connemara Pony World |
Connemara Pony Tales Podcast: Promoting the Connemara Pony Worldwide |
€12,441.45 |
50% |
|
2025 |
The Irish Field |
Artificial Intelligence in the Equine Sector Seminar |
€5,000.00 |
100% |
ETS Projects not approved 2025
|
Year |
Recipient |
Project |
Funding approved |
Rate of aid (%) |
|
2025 |
UCD |
Healthy Horses and ponies during and after general anaesthesia for a common elective surgical procedure |
n/a |
n/a |
|
2025 |
WSI |
Graphic Design of SDI Logo and Breeding & Production Passport Cover |
n/a |
n/a |
|
2025 |
CPBS |
CPBS stand at National Ploughing Championships 2025 |
n/a |
n/a |
|
2025 |
HSI |
World Breeding News Magazine |
n/a |
n/a |
|
2025 |
WSI |
Studbook Subscription to Breeding News for Sport Horses for Breeder Education |
n/a |
n/a |
|
2025 |
CPBS |
Genomic Profiling for First Time Registrations |
n/a |
n/a |
|
2025 |
CPBS |
Genomic Profiling for adult animals & first-time registration adult animals |
n/a |
n/a |
|
2025 |
CPBS |
Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society stand at HOYS (Horse of the Year Show) 2025 |
n/a |
n/a |
463. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a tender process was initiated one year earlier than expected for the studbook services contracts; the number of applicant bidders for each lot; the score each bidder received in each lot; the names and qualifications of each member of the evaluation panel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67719/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Studbook Service contracts to which the Deputy refers commenced in January 2023 for a period of 24 months with the option to extend the term of the contract for a period up to 24 months with a maximum of one such extension. In line with the provisions of the contract it was decided that the contract would be extended for 12 months to the end of 2025.
A procurement competition was recently held for the provision of this service for the period from 1 January 2026. This procurement process is on-going and accordingly I am not in a position to release specific details requested regarding this competition.
The evaluation panel and qualifications for the studbooks request for tender were as follows:
Assessment Panel – Studbooks
|
Name |
Qualifications |
|
Mr Paul Dillon – Chair of panel |
Former Assistant Secretary General of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Invited onto the assessment panel to contribute his extensive knowledge, experience and competence in dealing with processes and procedures within the Civil Service and his broad and detailed knowledge of the Agricultural sector in Ireland. |
|
Prof Donagh Berry |
Prof. Donagh Berry is a Senior Principal Researcher in Quantitative Genetics at Teagasc. He leads research in quantitative genetics and animal breeding across a range of species including cattle, sheep, horses and dogs pioneering the development of genomic selection in cattle in Ireland as well as the national breeding objectives and breeding scheme design. He has a PhD in quantitative genetics and MSc in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology. Donagh was invited to form part of the evaluation panel because of his >25 years’ extensive knowledge on topics contributing to the success of animal breeding programs including phenotyping strategies, genetic and genomic evaluations, decision support tools, breeding goal development and deployment, breeding scheme design, validation and knowledge exchange |
|
Dr Bridget Younge |
Dr. Bridget Younge is an Associate Professor in Animal Nutrition at the University of Limerick. Her research includes nutrient metabolism and gastrointestinal function. She has over 25 years’ experience in animal nutrition research and university teaching, She lectures in equine nutrition, animal feeding and digestion, and equine genetics, and supervises undergraduate and postgraduate research. She also holds key governance roles as Course Director for Equine Science, Chair of the Student Status Committee, and the University Animal Ethics Committee. Bridget was invited to form part of the evaluation panel due to her practical and extensive knowledge of the sport horse industry and her research contributions, experience in academic governance and scientific evaluation. |
|
Ms Frances MacAodhain |
Frances MacAodhain is a Principal Officer in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. She is responsible for Animal Identification and Registration including equine traceability and the delivery of the Minister’s Action Plan to reform the equine traceability system in line with the recommendations of Professor Patrick Wall’s report. Ms MacAodhain was invited to form part of the evaluation panel due to her knowledge of the complexities of equine identification legislation and her role in overseeing equine passport services to ensure they are efficient, reliable and secure. |
464. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a feasibility study of the development works proposed for Kilkenny greyhound stadium was carried out and submitted to his Department prior to the granting of one million euros of taxpayer’s money to the private owners of this stadium in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67781/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
In July 2021, RCÉ sought approval from my Department for the payment by RCÉ of a grant towards development works at Kilkenny Greyhound Stadium from the proceeds of the sale of Harold's Cross Stadium in 2018.
On 2nd May 2025, RCÉ forwarded a submission and supporting documentation to my Department for consent to the making of a €1m grant to Kilkenny Greyhound Racing Company Ltd. (KGRC) for the proposed re-development.
The submission addressed the requirements of the Government Infrastructure Guidelines Final Business Case (FBC) and met the required standard. A thorough analysis of the submission was carried out and my Department is satisfied that the FBC submitted along with the review completed by RCÉ as the Sponsoring Agency met the requirements to allow the proposal to proceed.
465. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Rásaíocht Con Éireann carried out an investigation into complaints of animal cruelty at a licensed kennel in the west of Ireland (details supplied), if an investigation has been carried out; if his Department has received the results, if so, the outcome of this investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67782/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is aware of this matter which is under investigation by officers in Rásaíocht Con Éireann, who are authorised officers under the Animal Health & Welfare Act 2013. It is not possible to comment on ongoing investigations.
My Department takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously and responds to any reports of alleged animal cruelty or legislative non-compliance.
My Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation to Phone No 01 607 2379 and email address animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie.
466. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a report on a matter (details supplied) will be finalised; the timeline in which he intends to publish the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68124/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraDr Sean Brady was appointed as independent chairperson of this review by my predecessor.
Dr Brady continues to engage directly with the herd owner to progress this review.
As this review is independent of my Department, it is not possible for me to provide a timeframe for completion. A decision on publication will be made, on receipt of the final report, in consultation with the herd owner and the independent reviewer.
467. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide an update on a complaint regarding the breach of core funding rules by a service provider (details supplied); the length of time this complaint took to be concluded at Stage 1 and Stage 2; the length of time the complaint has been at Stage 3; the timeline for the full resolution of the complaint; the precise steps that will be taken to ensure that parents are refunded the monies they are owed in the event that the complaint is upheld; to specifically confirm the steps that will be taken to ensure that parents are refunded in the event that the service provider refuses to repay them itself and does not do so within the prescribed timeframe; the resources currently allocated to resolving this complaint including the number of staff members considering it and the hours spent reviewing it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67277/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware that there is an active fee review with regard to the service in question. However, as this case is currently on going, I am unable to disclose any details.
While I cannot comment on this individual case, I can say that Department officials are endeavouring to complete this review as soon as they possibly can after a complete and thorough examination.
A concrete timeline is not possible as no one fee review is the same. It is fully dependant on the gathering of information and communications with all parties
If a service is found to in breach of Core Funding rules either at Stage 2 or on appeal, the service is sent out a final decision which includes remedial actions and a declaration of actions carried out. Both of these have to be completed within 60 working days after the notification of final decision. If a Service Provider is found not to have completed the remedial actions, they are then subject to sanctions brought by the Department
Further information on general remedial actions and sanctions can be found in the Fee Review Process - Guidelines for 2025/2026 Programme Year, published in September 2025. These are publicly available on the Early Years Hive, from your local City and County Childcare Committee or from the Department.
468. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of funded speech and language therapist and occupational therapist posts that are currently in place in the Irish health and disability systems; the number of posts that are currently vacant; and the measures to ensure those posts are filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67293/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
469. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the options available to a family resource centre desperately in need of more space, which owns its own site and is seeking funds to build on it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67317/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that neither this Department nor Tusla currently have capital funding to support the building of new or refurbishment or extension of existing Family Resource Centres. Tusla does not have a dedicated budget for capital or building works for third party organisations such as Family Resource Centres.
The Family Resource Centre Programme is a community development programme that is financially supported by many State agencies in a partnership approach. Centres may draw on various sources of funding provided by other Government Departments, agencies and private sources. In relation to any immediate or urgent requirements, I would suggest that the local authority be considered as a starting point in the context of any capital funding requests. Tusla also recommends that FRC Programme members look into any Government schemes available such as Rural Integrated Development schemes operated by the Department of Rural and Community Development.
470. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on an assessment for autism for a person (detail supplied); if the full range of services required arising from the assessment are in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67319/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
471. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her plans to provide the Clonmel Children's Disability Network Team with its own dedicated space as the service currently shares a building with CAMHS and primary care with insufficient therapy room space; if the lack of therapy space is contributing to the difficulties recruiting therapists; if a request for additional space has been sought from the CDNT manager over the past five years; the current status of this request; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67360/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
472. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the children on the open case load of the Clonmel CDNT team with an age breakdown; the number of children on the open case load who have not received any therapies; the breakdown of children waiting for therapies by age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67362/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
473. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children who had been referred to the Clonmel CDNT team by the primary care team and subsequently referred back to the primary care team; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67363/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
474. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of people with disabilities in receipt of home support hours in each LHO area as of 1st November 2025 or latest date available; the number of people currently on the waiting list for same in each LHO area; the number waiting 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months, and the number waiting 12 months plus, in tabular form. [67378/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
475. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of people with disabilities in receipt of personal assistance hours in each LHO area as of 1st November 2025 or latest date available; the number of people currently on the waiting list for same in each LHO area; the number waiting 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months, and the number waiting 12 months plus, in tabular form. [67379/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
476. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of residential places for people with a disability currently being provided as of 1st November 2025 or latest date available; broken down by CHO area, in tabular form. [67380/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra477. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of new emergency places provided to people with a disability as of 1st November 2025; broken down by local health office, in tabular form. [67381/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 476 and 477 together.
As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible. To be taken in tandem with 67380/25.
