Written Answers Nos. 811-831
811. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding allocated to an organisation (details supplied) for social farming initiatives for the years 2020-2025; the projects funded under this initiative; the outcomes from same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4148/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSocial farming has been shown to provide benefits to participants such as improved community connections and relationships, increased self-esteem and capacity, improved health and well-being and the opportunity to develop occupational and life skills from engaging in farm-based activities.
Participants experience a wide range of benefits, across multiple dimensions of well-being, including:
• Development of occupational and life skills from undertaking farm-based activities,
• Increased social and interpersonal skills from working alongside others in a supportive environment,
• Improvements in mental health and well-being from spending time in the fresh air, in nature and working with animals and plants,
• Sense of achievement and of having made a positive contribution, and
• Increased self-esteem and confidence.
Annual funding of €84,250 has been provided to IRD Duhallow for their Social Farming Project from 2020 up to 2025 under the Rural Innovation and Development Fund (RIDF).
The goals of this project are to promote rehabilitation, social inclusion, training and improved quality of life in a non-clinical setting using agriculture including plants and animals. This project is run both at a community space and through volunteer farms. The participants are highly involved in the planting, care of and harvesting of vegetables in the gardens and have experienced the enjoyment and satisfaction of consuming their own produce.
Duhallow Social Farming currently facilitates, on average, 19-21 Social Farming participants on a weekly basis. This cohort is made up of service users of St Joseph’s Foundation in Kanturk and Mallow, residents of Cois Alla, Mental Health service in Kanturk and Hawthorn House in Freemount. They also have members of the New Directions and Workability groups attending IRD Duhallow Social Farm. 7 host farms are currently active in addition to the Duhallow campus.
812. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will engage with the fishing sector on the impact of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1766 and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2196, adopted under the amended EU Fisheries Control Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2023/2842), entered into force on 10 January 2026, on the Irish fishing fleet. [4154/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Fisheries Control Regulation provides for a Union fisheries control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy and establishing a level playing field across the EU on fisheries control. The current Control Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2023/2842) entered into force in January 2024 and updates and amends the previous Control Regulation (Regulation (EC) 1224/2009).
In addition, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2196 lays down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) 1224/2009, while Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1766 supplements Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 by laying down rules on the control of fisheries etc.
My Department is working with the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), and with other relevant Departments and agencies, to introduce the required measures to implement, at national level, the relevant provisions of the above EU Regulations.
In relation to certain new requirements arising from the revised Control Regulation 2023/2842, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2196 and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1766 and updating industry on same, I understand that the independent Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), as implementing body, has already met with key stakeholders including the Sea-Fisheries Consultative Committee and industry representative groups.
I am also informed that the SFPA recently issued detailed Guidance on New EU Fisheries Control Rules, effective January 2026, and also intends to provide industry with training on certain requirements of the revised EU control regime across the country in the first quarter of 2026.
Finally, I understand that the preparation of the rules provided for under the revised EU control regime was undertaken by the European Commission in close cooperation with Member States, and included feedback from fishers, industry representatives, regional authorities, and NGOs.
813. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the appointment of a county dog warden and two additional dog wardens at Cork County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4155/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPolicy and legislative responsibility for dog control transferred to my Department from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht on 1 June 2025.
However, it is important to note that Local Authorities retain responsibility for all operational, implementation and enforcement matters. These operational and enforcement functions include, inter alia, the hiring of dog wardens, the issuing of fines, or the seizure of canines under relevant legislative provisions.
With respect to dog warden services, in July 2024, Government funding of €2 million was announced for local authorities to support the resourcing of additional dog warden services in 2025. The funding was intended as a contributory allocation towards the hiring of up to 40 additional dog wardens. The funding is not intended to provide for the full cost of employment, rather to act to defray the overall cost of same. This funding recognises the increased demands in the area of dog control. Funds were provided to 30 local authorities to support the resourcing of additional dog warden positions in 2025. I am aware that recruitment of additional dog wardens has been undertaken in several local authorities, however, the final number of appointments is not yet available.
I announced on 19 November 2025 that a further funding allocation of €2 million would be made available by my Department in respect of 2026.
While my Department provide this financial support to Local Authorities in respect of dog warden services, it is clearly a matter for each individual Local Authority to manage both the desired level of recruitment and the process of recruitment of wardens.
814. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a transfer of entitlements application for the years 2022-2025 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4159/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is actively working on resolving the issues for this farmer in the shortest time-frame possible.
There is a strict order in which the required steps need to be taken to ensure that the persons named do not lose entitlements through usage when the transfer applications across the 4 years are processed. This is being urgently pursued by my Department but has not yet reached the position where the transfers can be completed. My Department has all of the required transfer documentation so as soon as that stage is reached they will be completed.
My Department will make direct contact with the named persons this week in regard to assist them with this matter.
815. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide a complete breakdown of spending for An Bord Iascaigh Mhara in the 2026 Revised Estimates outlined in the sectoral economic investment section; to provide the total breakdown of spend in 2025, in tabular form. [4190/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy regarding An Bord Iascaigh Mhara is an operational matter for An Bord Iascaigh Mhara.
I have referred the Deputy’s question to An Bord Iascaigh Mhara and have requested that they respond directly to the Deputy.
816. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide a complete breakdown of spending for fisheries, harbours and marine leisure in the 2026 Revised Estimates outlined in the sectoral economic investment section; to provide the total breakdown of spend in 2025, in tabular form. [4192/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department owns, operates and maintains six designated State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres, located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros An Mhíl under statute.
In addition, my Department is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of North Harbour at Cape Clear, along with a small number of specific piers, lights, and beacons throughout Ireland, in line with the 1902 ex-congested Districts Board piers, lights, and Beacons Act.
Furthermore, as part of its annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, my Department has provided limited funding to assist coastal local authorities in implementing small-scale shovel-ready projects for the development and repair of piers, harbours, and slipways in their ownership.
The attached table outlines the total breakdown of expenditure in 2025, taking in the six Fishery Harbour Centres, Cape Clear, Piers Lights and Beacons and the Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme.[<ahref="https:/data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/debates/questions/supportingDocumentation/2026-01-20_pq-816-20-01-2026_en.pdf">PQanswer</a>]
I am happy to announce that continuing investment in our marine infrastructure has been provided for in the budget estimates for 2026. This investment will provide immediate tangible benefits by improving harbour facilities, boosting safety and efficiency and by providing ongoing access and support for our fleet and producers. In the longer term, the investment builds on the essential foundations already laid for a more productive, sustainable and economically viable fishing sector. Final allocations at programme level, are currently being drafted.
817. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason there is no spending allocated for maritime safety and regulations in the 2026 Revised Estimates outlined in the sectoral economic investment section; to provide the total breakdown of spend in 2025, in tabular form. [4193/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMaritime safety and regulation is a function of the Department of Transport and is not the remit of my Department.
818. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide a complete breakdown of spending for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority in the 2026 Revised Estimates outlined in the sectoral economic investment section; to provide the total breakdown of spend in 2025, in tabular form. [4194/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy regarding the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority is an operational matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority.
I have referred the Deputy’s question to the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and have requested that they respond directly to the Deputy.
819. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the total estimated sectoral economic investment spend on fisheries in the 2026 Revised Estimates has been cut by 14% in comparison to 2025. [4195/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe ‘Revised Estimates for Public Services 2026’ is prepared by the Department of Public Expenditure Infrastructure Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.
The ‘Sectoral Economic Investment’ for the Fisheries Sector section of that document includes a number of areas which are outside the remit of my Department such as the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority, Marine Research & Development, Maritime Safety & Regulations and Inland Fisheries Development and Tourism Angling.
Therefore I am not in a position to comment on the comparison with the 2025 estimates.
820. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will allow marts to process movements or implement a system to ensure a faster more predictable permit system is available for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4206/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra821. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will align the rules on calves under 12-weeks in order that they can be sold through mart restricted herd sales and not just by private sale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4207/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 820 and 821 together.
I published the “Bovine TB Action Plan, Addressing Bovine TB in Ireland” on 9 September 2025. The Action Plan follows extensive discussions with stakeholders and the support and approval from my Cabinet colleagues to address the current high levels of Bovine TB (bTB). The Action Plan is based on scientific research and veterinary expertise. There are 5 measures which are underpinned by 30 actions:
Support herds free of bTB to remain free
Reduce the impact of wildlife on the spread of bTB
Detect and eliminate bTB infection as early as possible in herds with a bTB breakdown and avoid a future breakdown
Help farmers improve all areas of on-farm biosecurity
Reduce the impact of known high-risk animals in spreading bTB
The online sales of cattle from bTB restricted herds to Controlled Finishing Units (CFUs) is where the cattle are recorded on farm and the sale is held online to CFUs only; in the event of an agreed sale the animal moves directly from farm to CFU. My Department has a policy in place to facilitate these type of sales for farmers who are affected by a bTB restriction and all Regional Veterinary Offices have been advised of this policy.
My Department continues to keep the policy regarding the movement of animals including calves under 12 weeks under review.
822. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of the recent public tender process for the issuing of horse passports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4464/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department recently concluded a competitive tender process for the delivery of the following studbook services::
The Irish Sport Horse
The Irish Sport Pony
The Irish Draught
The Irish Cob
The Irish Part-bred Cob
Following an evaluation of all tenders submitted, Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) were deemed the successful tenderer. Accordingly, a two-year contract, with options to extend on two further occasions, was recently agreed between my Department and HSI for the delivery of the aforementioned studbook services.
823. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if it can be ensured that a person (details supplied) receives appropriate AIM staffing or support so the child can safely access preschool education. [4269/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) is a model of supports designed to ensure that children with additional needs or a disability can access the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme. Access to AIM is based on the needs of the individual child, in the context of the pre-school setting, and does not require a diagnosis.
AIM Level 7 support enables providers to reduce the child-to-adult ratio in the pre-school room or to fund an extra staff member as a shared resource with other children in the ECCE setting. In recognition of best practice in this area, this support is designed to improve inclusion and ensure meaningful participation of all children in the room.
While the Department oversees AIM, early learning and childcare providers are private entities and responsible for their own staffing and admissions policies, which are outside the Department’s remit. Parents and carers experiencing challenges in accessing early learning and childcare supports are encouraged to contact their local City or County Childcare Committee, who can provide advice and guidance on available options in their area. In regard to this case, your constituents may wish to contact the Fingal County Childcare Committee at [fingalcountychildcare.ie] who may be able to assist in securing another preschool placement for their child.
Additionally, the Tusla Early Years Inspectorate is the independent statutory regulator for the early years sector under Part VIIA of the Child Care Act 1991. The sector is governed by a number of regulations which set the standards for registration, inspection and enforcement by Tusla. Under the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 (as amended), each service is required to have a complaints policy and deal with complaints as set out under the regulations. Services are also required to have an inclusion policy under the 2016 Regulations. While Tusla do not carry out investigations of complaints, they have a “feedback and concerns” mechanisms by which the public may make complaints about services, which will inform risk-based decision-making by Tusla on the prioritisation of inspections.
824. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to outline the number of inspections carried out by Tusla or other agencies within the remit of her Department of creches or childcare facilities for each year from 2016 to 2025 inclusive; to outline the types of actions taken on foot of those inspections; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3308/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the subject matter of the Deputy's question relates to an operational matter for Tusla, I have referred the matter to Tusla for a direct reply.
825. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the way in which the autism assessment and intervention protocol which is due to launch in February 2026 will operate; and the safeguards being put in place to ensure that this will not result in other diagnoses being missed from these children not receiving a full assessment of needs. [3329/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Autism Assessment and Intervention Protocol has been developed over a period of 5 years with input from lived experience, civil society, all clinical disciplines involved in such assessments, as well as managers and service leaders across disability, primary care and mental health services. The protocol matches the intensity of assessment to the complexity of the presentation, as decided by the assessing clinicians.
While the protocol is a pathway specifically for autism assessment, it is important to note that the process includes differential assessment and diagnosis as required to support an accurate and rounded assessment process; as well as the development of a formulation to provide clearer understanding of the person's lived experience, and the services and supports they require.
The Assessment of Need (AON) process is a separate process, intended to determine if a person has a disability as described in the Disability Act and, if they do, their health and education needs (if any) and the services required to meet those needs.
It is important to note that it is not necessary for a parent to apply for an Assessment of Need in order to access an autism assessment or health services for their child, including Primary Care, Children’s Disability Network Teams or Mental Health Services.
Assessment through the Autism Assessment and Intervention Protocol does not affect a person’s entitlement to apply to AON under the Disability Act 2005. However, assessment under the protocol may be used to inform an Assessment of Need if appropriate.
The Autism Assessment and Intervention Protocol will for the first time provide a standardised assessment process across disability, primary care and mental health services, and these assessments will be supported by new in-reach teams, where necessary, to support community teams and promote a more effective and coherent service for autistic people. The Autism Assessment and Intervention Protocol will be the preferred assessment route for autism, allowing more timely assessments conducted only by clinicians with the required competence to undertake such assessments, and the Protocol will also promote access to the required services and supports.
826. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will provide an estimated date for the establishment of the community neurorehabilitation team in the midlands in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3356/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra827. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will provide an estimated date for the establishment of the community neurorehabilitation team in the midlands in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3356/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
828. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality when the annual report for the mother and baby payments (redress scheme) will be published; and the reason it has not been published as of June 2025. [3359/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme opened for applications in March 2024.
Section 12 of the underpinning legislation for the Scheme provides for annual reports to be prepared by the Chief Deciding Officer of the Scheme. These reports are to include details on applications, determinations, staffing and training.
I have recently received the first annual report for the Scheme, am currently reviewing it, and will publish it shortly.
829. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the staffing levels at CDNT central Galway and Galway city east children’s disability network team 6; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3524/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra830. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the staffing levels at CDNT Galway central Galway and Galway city east children’s disability network team 5; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3525/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra831. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the staffing levels at CDNT West Galway central Galway and Galway city east children’s disability network team 4; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3526/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 829, 830 and 831 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.
