Written Answers Nos. 196-215
196. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of immigrants that have been admitted to the State since 2016 who have identified as Native American, broken down by immigrant category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4733/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that it is not possible to provide statistics on the number of immigrants who identify as Native American that have entered the State. While the Immigration Service of my Department records the nationality of those granted a permission to remain in the State, no record of a persons ethnic group or cultural identity is taken.
197. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the measures the Department is taking to implement child maintenance enforcement reforms, in particular for self-employed parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4734/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Review of the Enforcement of Child Maintenance Orders, completed by officials in my Department, was published on 8 January 2024. It was one of the actions contained in the “Supporting Children” goal of the Family Justice Strategy. The Review put forward 26 recommendations focused on generating maximum compliance with child maintenance orders, to ensure security and stability for children and to aid poverty prevention. The key recommendations of the review include:
• Development of a set of child maintenance guidelines.
• Introduction of mandatory mediation information sessions.
• Strengthening attachment of earnings orders and exploring the possibility of attaching an order to a PPS number rather than employing entities, so that orders do not lapse when there is a change in employer.
• Introduction of a single enforcement procedure when the receiving parent makes an enforcement application, allowing the judge to choose the most appropriate enforcement option based on the circumstances of the case.
• Simplification of the bench warrant process.
• Placing the onus on paying parents to pay costs associated with enforcement proceedings.
• Introduction of an information sharing agreement between Revenue, the Department of Social Protection and the Courts Service.
• Allowing for deductions from social welfare, the paying parent’s bank accounts, from government grants and subsidies and allowing for the recovery of arrears from tax refunds.
An interdepartmental group (“The Child Maintenance Guidelines Committee”) was established in February 2024 to develop a set of child maintenance guidelines for use by all parties on a voluntary basis when putting child maintenance arrangements in place, along with an online calculator to help determine fair child maintenance payments. The objectives of the child maintenance guidelines include:
• To establish fair, consistent and predictable amounts of maintenance for children whose parents are not together.
• To increase transparency, consistency and predictability for those seeking and paying child maintenance.
• To reduce conflict and tension between parents by making the calculation of child maintenance more objective.
• To reduce the number of child maintenance applications made to the courts by giving parents guidance in setting the levels of child maintenance and by encouraging private maintenance agreements.
• To ensure consistent treatment of parents and children who are in similar circumstances.
• To promote a culture of payment of child maintenance.
The guidelines were published on 19 January 2026 and are a voluntary tool for parents, to assist them in coming to private child maintenance arrangements. The guidelines may also be of assistance to courts who may have regard to them as they see fit in appropriate cases. The guidelines were informed by a public consultation in April 2025, and the report of that consultation was also published on 19 January 2026. An accompanying child maintenance calculator is now in the final stages of development and is due to be launched shortly.
In line with another recommendation in the Review, my Department undertook a social media campaign in October 2025, to reinforce the importance of paying child maintenance and complying with Child Maintenance orders.
As a number of recommendations in the Review require legislative change, work on developing heads of legislation has begun. Officials in the Department are liaising with other organisations and bodies to implement the other recommendations in the Review.
198. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the measures being taken by the Department to monitor and tackle femicide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4735/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCombatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) and ensuring that women, who are disproportionately victimised by this heinous type of behaviour, receive the highest standards of protection and support are absolute priorities for me. These commitments lie at the heart of the Third National DSGBV Strategy, and this Government is working in partnership with An Garda Síochána and stakeholders across the DSGBV sector to enforce a zero-tolerance approach when it comes to violence against women and girls.
This Government has taken unprecedented actions to tackle the scourge of domestic and gender-based violence including by:
• Increasing funding to almost €80 million under Budget 2026 to support Cuan and services working to tackle DSGBV and the implementation of the Zero Tolerance Strategy. This represents an increase of €12 million year on year.
• Launching the final implementation plan of the Third National ‘Zero Tolerance’ strategy, the most ambitious national DSGBV strategy to date, last June.
• Increasing funding for Cuan and for community organisations that support victims and survivors will accelerate the delivery of additional refuge spaces and safe accommodation while also providing stronger supports for victims.
I have also brought forward legislative measures that will, in certain situations, remove guardianship rights from individuals convicted of killing their partner or the other parent of their child.
In October, I secured Government approval to progress the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences, Domestic Violence and International Instruments) Bill 2025. One of the key measures in this Bill is the establishment of a publicly accessible Register of Domestic Violence Judgments, which will be published by the Courts Service. This register will allow those who are considering entering a relationship with someone to know if that person has a history of domestic violence convictions.
Separately, my Department commissioned the Independent Study on Familicide and Domestic & Family Violence Death Reviews, which was published in May 2023 and contains 212 recommendations. These recommendations fall into three broad areas: the establishment of Regional Multi-Agency Critical Planning and Response (MACPAR) Teams; the development of Domestic and Family Violence Death Reviews; and a range of wider policy, training, data and support measures.
In 2024, a structured consultation process was undertaken to identify implementable recommendations. This involved a Family Consultation Group comprising bereaved family members, a cross-functional Interdepartmental Group, and an Advisory Group representing relevant civil society organisations. The groups met monthly from June 2024 and examined the recommendations in detail. It was acknowledged throughout that a number of recommendations are already being progressed through wider initiatives, including the ‘Zero Tolerance’ Strategy and ongoing criminal justice reforms.
Further work is underway, in partnership with relevant stakeholders, to scope the establishment of MACPAR teams in each Garda region. These teams are intended to coordinate multi-agency responses following incidents of domestic homicide or familicide and to ensure consistent, compassionate and effective support for families nationwide. I have also directed that work on Domestic Homicide Reviews be prioritised. While the precise model recommended in the Study, which is based on the UK system, may not be directly transferable to this jurisdiction, alternative operational approaches suitable to the Irish context are actively under consideration.
My Department also continues to invest in communications, education and awareness initiatives, in line with the objectives of the ‘Zero tolerance’ Third National DSGBV Strategy. In February 2025, I launched the 'Hardest Stories' campaign, which aims to raise awareness of domestic and sexual violence, encourage victims and survivors to come forward, and challenge the culture of silence that can allow abuse to escalate.
199. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of new domestic violence refuge places delivered in 2025, and to provide a county-by-county breakdown of same. [4786/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government has taken unprecedented actions to tackle the scourge of domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence (DSGBV), including by:
• Increasing funding to almost €80 million under Budget 2026 to support Cuan and services working to tackle DSGBV and the implementation of the Zero Tolerance Strategy. This represents an increase of €12 million year on year.
• Launching the final implementation plan of the Third National ‘Zero Tolerance’ strategy, the most ambitious national DSGBV strategy to date, last June.
• Introducing significant legislative change which includes measures to allow perpetrators of domestic violence to be included on a new register of domestic violence judgments run by the Courts Service, and to restrict the disclosure of counselling records in sexual offence trials.
• Increasing funding for Cuan and for community organisations that support victims and survivors which will accelerate the delivery of additional refuge spaces and safe accommodation while also providing stronger supports for victims.
Cuan is collaborating with various stakeholders, including domestic violence services, Approved Housing Bodies, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Agency and Local Authorities to facilitate local action and support service development and delivery of refuges and ancillary services.
I am informed by Cuan that in 2025 DV Refuge Capacity/Units increased by 13 units (four in Louth and nine in Dublin 4), bringing the number to 172 . Additionally, nine units are being developed in Dublin 22 which are expected to be operational early this year. A further 12-unit refuge is scheduled to be completed and become operational later this year.
In 2025, the number of Safe Home units increased by eight. This has increased Safe Home capacity to 60. In 2026, Cuan is working towards having a minimum of 50 new refuge units under construction across multiple sites nationally.
200. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if new Garda stations were opened in 2025; and if he will provide details of same. [4787/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra201. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if Garda stations were re-opened in 2025, having previously closed; and if he will provide details of the same. [4788/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 200 and 201 together.
I am informed by Garda authorities that no new Garda stations were opened in 2025, nor were any Garda stations re-opened, having previously closed. The Deputy may wish to note however that a major project to replace Garda premises at Rosslare Europort was delivered in Q4 2025.
The Garda Capital Investment Programme for the years 2023–2030 was developed following detailed engagement between An Garda Síochána, the Office of Public Works and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. This programme identifies a series of estate projects reflecting Garda priorities and emerging needs. The provision of upgraded, refurbished and additional Garda facilities nationwide is included in this programme.
A number of other large-scale projects under the Garda Capital Investment Programme are at various stages of development, including Bailieborough Garda Station and a new PEMS (Property Exhibits Management System) Store at Drogheda Garda Station, which are scheduled for delivery in 2026. The Programme also includes new stations for Portlaoise, Newcastle West, Clonmel and a new Divisional Headquarters at Macroom which are expected to be delivered at various stages up to 2030.
202. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration how he ensures that all websites operated by his Department are accessible to the visually impaired. [4821/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver the past year, my Department’s Change, Technology and Information (CTI) team has carried out a structured programme to enhance the accessibility of our websites, with particular emphasis on supporting users with visual impairments. This work is underpinned by a commitment made in my Department's Customer Service Action Plan 2025 - 2028 to ensure that all of our websites comply with web content accessibility guidelines. The Plan is published here:
assets.gov.ie/static/documents/Department_of_Justice_Customer_Service_Action_Plan_2025-2028_-_Desktop_Version.pdf
This programme of work involves conducting accessibility audits using a combination of automated testing tools, manual assessments with assistive technologies such as screen readers, and input from external accessibility experts. Improvements made have included ensuring websites can be effectively used with screen-reading software, can be navigated using a keyboard, and can apply appropriate colour contrast and design changes to support users with colour-vision deficiencies.
Officials from my Department engage with the National Disability Authority (NDA) to ensure alignment with best-practice standards and has adopted WCAG 2.1 AA as its benchmark. Compliance progress is monitored through ongoing internal and external testing cycles. A significant amount of work has been already carried out by my Department with at least 10 of its public-facing websites now at an AA rating.
As set out in the Disability Act 2005, my Department has appointed an Access Officer. The role of the Access Officer includes responding to any issues raised regarding the accessibility of our websites. The Access Officer can be contacted by email accessofficer@justice.ie or by phone on 01 602 8202. Contact details for the Access Officer are also provided on the main landing page of the Department's website, as well as through the relevant accessibility statement on each page.
203. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if any website or other platform operated by his Department uses an AI-enabled chatbot; if there are plans to use chatbots; in what circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4839/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraA comprehensive programme of work is underway in my Department to deliver on our strategy to replace legacy and manual processes with new business models. These are underpinned by effective digital solutions. This programme will support us in achieving the objectives set out in the 2022 National Digital Strategy, Harnessing Digital: The Digital Ireland Framework.
My Department's Immigration Service Delivery customer service portal, the Digital Contact Centre (DCC) incorporates a chatbot using Microsoft Copilot to provide assistance to service users and staff. The DCC is an authenticated and secure customer portal that provides service users with the ability to:
• View the status of their applications
• Book an appointment to register their permission in the State
• Submit and track queries
• Receive notifications regarding queries and application status updates
Registered DCC users can interact with the chatbot and enter information into it. The chatbot operates within an authenticated and secure customer portal and has been trained only on information published on the Immigration website. This ensures that responses are accessible and based solely on verified, up-to-date, and publicly available content. Users are clearly informed that they are interacting with an AI system and are advised to verify the information provided. There is no post-processing of private data by the chatbot. The chatbot is designed to provide general guidance and does not carry out actions or make decisions.
More complex queries may need human intervention, and the service user is directed to a staff member where this occurs. The service user also has the option of contacting a customer service team member at any stage of the process and are not required to interact with the chatbot.
My Department complies with the “Guidelines for the Responsible Use of AI in the Public Service” issued by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation also with guidance issued to all Government Departments by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) in relation to the cyber security aspects. The approach taken is low-risk, transparent, and in line with national AI and procurement guidelines. AI tools are used to enhance efficiency and accessibility but do not make decisions affecting individual rights. Continuous monitoring, human oversight, and clear disclaimers ensure responsible and ethical use.
My Department plans to continue to assess the opportunities presented by all digital tools, including AI, to improve the delivery, security, efficiency, and accessibility of services to our service users. Approval for adoption of any new tools or solutions is subject to appropriate governance processes, including risk assessment.
204. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the total sums spent for each year from 2016 to 2025, inclusive of advertising, by his Department on social media or online platforms, including identifying separately payments to influencers on such platforms; and to set out the annual totals for that period to each specific platform, including but not limited to major platforms (details supplied). [4858/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department carries out public information campaigns, where appropriate, in order to draw public attention to important issues across the justice sector. When planning a campaign, my Department works with media buyers to select the most appropriate channels for our target campaign audience and message. This can include social media platforms.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to my Department's expenditure on social media platforms, including public information campaigns, is provided in the table below.
|
Platform |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
Total (per platform) |
|
YOUTUBE |
€4,314 |
€11,093 |
€9,850 |
|
€23,022 |
€28,531 |
€76,023 |
€57,963 |
€33,641 |
€15,253 |
€259,690 |
|
META |
|
|
€1,525 |
€5,572 |
€3,452 |
€20,215 |
€24,965 |
€92,690 |
€42,075 |
€18,780 |
€209,274 |
|
TIKTOK |
|
|
|
|
€7,227 |
€11,452 |
€10,099 |
€47,493 |
€34,038 |
€13,501 |
€123,810 |
|
SNAPCHAT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
€1,972 |
€9,943 |
€25,312 |
€5,755 |
€42,982 |
|
TINDER |
|
|
|
|
|
€23,063 |
|
|
|
|
€23,063 |
|
X (formally Twitter) |
|
|
|
€1,279 |
|
€5,227 |
€10,532 |
|
|
|
€17,038 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
€14,306 |
€4,304 |
€18,610 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
€2,157 |
€7,827 |
€2,095 |
€1,500 |
€13,579 |
|
TWITCH |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
€3,821 |
€3,821 |
|
Total (per annum) |
€4,314 |
€11,093 |
€11,375 |
€6,851 |
€33,701 |
€88,488 |
€125,748 |
€215,916 |
€151,467 |
€62,914 |
|
The expenditure includes recent campaigns relating to:
• Victims of Crime and the Victims Charter
• Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV)
• Zero Tolerance
• Consent
• Intimate Image Abuse - No Excuses
• Always Here / Still Here
• Witnessing Domestic Violence - What Would You Do?
• Fireworks Awareness.
My Department has not paid social media influencers in any of its campaigns.
205. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration following his answer to Parliamentary Question No. 1718 of 13 January 2026, the number of notification letters sent to disqualified drivers in 2024. [4984/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra206. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration following his answer to Parliamentary Question No. 1718 of 13 January 2026, the number of disqualified drivers that could not be notified by letter in 2024. [4985/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra207. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration following his answer to Parliamentary Question No. 1718 of 13 January 2026, the number of notification letters that were sent to penalty point offenders in 2024. [4986/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra208. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration following his answer to Parliamentary Question No. 1718 of 13 January 2026, the number of penalty point offenders that could not be notified by letter in 2024. [4987/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 205, 206, 207 and 208 together.
As outlined in reply to Parliamentary Question No. 1718 of 13 January 2026 the management of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given the separation of powers in the Constitution. As Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration I have no role in these matters.
To be of assistance, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Courts Service for direct reply. The Courts Service also has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie.
209. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the formal coordination mechanisms that exist between his Department, SEAI, and the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment to ensure renewable-energy funding is deployed efficiently across sectors; whether any assessment has been carried out on the potential benefits of reallocating or pooling funding to meet the exceptionally high demand from farmers for solar PV; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4657/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department continues to work with the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI) in relation to support available for the installation of solar electricity generating systems. This includes DAFM's Solar Capital Investment Scheme (SCIS) under TAMS and the Solar Electricity Grant Scheme, administered by SEAI, which is in place for residential households. The SEAI has been very helpful to my Department in the provision of Solar PV to the farming community and its knowledge in this area has been invaluable.
My Department also takes an active role in the delivery of the Climate Action Plan 2025 published by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment. This is the third annual update to Ireland’s Climate Action Plan and builds upon last year's Plan by refining and updating the measures and actions required to deliver the carbon budgets and sectoral emissions ceilings.
The Plan highlights the need to increase the grant rate for Nutrient Storage investments to support reduced reliance on chemical fertilisers. I introduced an enhanced 60% grant-rate and a dedicated ceiling for Nutrient Storage investments under TAMS, which is open to all farmers who submit applications in respect of slurry storage, commencing in the tranche which opened on 23 January 2025.
The acceleration of renewable energy generation is a key action in the Plan, in which my Department plays an active role. The number of applications and the level of funding provided to date under the SCIS have well exceeded expectations, to the extent that more than 20% of the TAMS payments issued to date are in respect of the SCIS, which is just one of the eleven TAMS 3 schemes.
The supports available under TAMS for the installation of solar panels are in keeping with my commitment, and the policy of Government, to assist farmers to address climate and sustainability targets. My Department will continue to promote solar installation take-up by farmers while operating within the budgetary constraints associated with TAMS and the wider CAP Strategic Plan.
210. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has assessed the emissions-reduction potential lost due to the rejection of the majority of TAMS 3 solar PV applications; whether he has requested that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to increase its approval rate in light of Ireland’s projected shortfall in meeting 2030 climate targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4658/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) is a demand-led scheme with a defined budgetary allocation. TAMS 3 is a hugely successful scheme, with payments of over €121 million issuing to farmers since payments commenced in June of last year. A total of more than 45,000 applications were received in the first eight tranches of the scheme, which is almost three times the number received over the corresponding eight tranches in TAMS II.
All eligible applications received across those eight tranches have been approved, with the result that more than 40,000 approvals have issued to farmers to date, allowing them to proceed with their investments.
In order to ensure that the available budget is distributed fairly over the remainder of the CSP, it was necessary to apply ranking and selection criteria to limit the number of approved applications in tranche 9, which closed for applications in September 2025.
The number of applications and the level of funding provided to date under certain schemes, such as the Solar Capital Investment Scheme (SCIS) have well exceeded expectations, to the extent that more than 20% of the TAMS budget is being spent on the SCIS. To date, a total of 3,149 SCIS applications have received approval, with €22.9 million in payments issuing to 1,232 applicants.
The budgetary allocation for TAMS 3 is spread over all schemes and it is not possible to allocate a budget to each of the eleven schemes individually. On that basis, a decision was made to focus on approvals for core on-farm investments such as farm safety and nutrient storage, acknowledging the huge importance of continued investment in these measures.
I am satisfied that the level of funding provided to date under the SCIS has exceeded expectations and is in line with our commitments to continue to support renewable electricity generation and to assist in achieving our national GHG emissions reduction targets.
211. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department has conducted any value-for-money analysis comparing the cost of increasing solar PV approvals under TAMS 3, with the potential cost of EU non-compliance fines for missed climate targets; and if not, whether such an analysis will now be undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4660/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra219. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has conducted any assessment of the climate-mitigation impact of rejecting approximately 75% of farmers applying for solar PV support; if not, to explain how the current approval policy aligns with Ireland’s legally binding 2030 emissions-reduction targets and the risk of EU non-compliance penalties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4652/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 211 and 219 together.
Ireland has carbon emission reduction targets under two separate frameworks, at domestic and EU levels.
On the domestic level, the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 (as amended) (the Act) establishes Ireland’s statutory targets of achieving a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030, and becoming climate neutral by 2050. While the State is legally obliged to achieve these targets, there is no direct monetary penalty for failing to do so. Section 6D of the Act requires that any surplus or exceedance from a preceding budget period is carried forward to the following period.
Under European Climate Law, Member States have committed to reduce net GHG emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.
Member States' national GHG emissions reduction targets out to 2030 are set by Effort Sharing Regulations (ESR). This covers those sectors of the economy that fall outside the scope of the EU Emissions Trading System, including transport, buildings, agriculture, light industry and waste. Ireland’s target under the ESR is to reduce our GHG emissions by at least 42% by 2030, relative to 2005 levels.
The ESR governance framework does not provide for the imposition of direct fines. However, partially purchasing compliance (including the purchase of allowances from other Member States who have over-performed on their targets) could have significant costs.
To assist in achieving the statutory target of a 51% GHG emissions reduction, the Solar Capital Investment Scheme (SCIS) was included as part of the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3).
The number of applications and the level of funding provided to date under certain schemes, such as the Solar Capital Investment Scheme (SCIS), have well exceeded expectations, to the extent that more than 20% of the total TAMS budget is being spent on the SCIS alone.
On that basis, from a value-for-money perspective and taking into consideration the environmental importance of nutrient storage, I decided, in the context of approving applications received in Tranche 9 of TAMS, to focus on approvals for core on-farm investments such as nutrient storage and farm safety, acknowledging the huge importance of continued investment in these measures
212. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that current Government policy is coherent in circumstances where SEAI struggles to allocate its renewable-energy budget while his Department rejects the majority of farmers seeking to install solar PV; and whether he will direct the relevant Ministers to develop a unified national strategy for on-farm renewable energy deployment [4661/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) provides grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings. The Solar Capital Investment scheme is one of the measures in TAMS, which provides support to farmers wishing to invest in renewable energy, thereby reducing their dependence on fossil fuels.
TAMS is a demand-led scheme with a defined budgetary allocation. Currently, grant aid for solar investments in TAMS is for farm consumption only. This is based on an ‘On Farm Solar PV Survey’, which must be completed and submitted with the application to quantify the holding's electricity requirement and the planned electricity supply from the proposed development.
However, if the applicant wishes to apply for non-TAMS support for a larger area of panels, this can be done through the SEAI. This additional investment can be installed in tandem with the TAMS investment and is a further option for farmers, keen to explore renewable energy generation.
The supports available under TAMS for the installation of solar panels are in keeping with my commitment and the policy of Government to assist farmers to address climate and sustainability targets. My Department will continue to promote solar installation take-up by farmers while operating within the budgetary constraints associated with TAMS and the wider CAP Strategic Plan.
213. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he or any of his officials have used artificial intelligence to write speeches, produce social media content for his Department, or to issue responses to parliamentary questions, since he took office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4586/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not used artificial intelligence (AI) to write speeches, or to issue responses to parliamentary questions.
My Department uses the Adobe Creative Cloud suite to support in-house graphic design work. The software includes embedded AI features that may assist humans in completing elements of the work.
All current and future AI use cases are subject to human review, data protection and governance measures. My department is committed to ensuring that any use of AI is informed by an assessment of any potential human rights and equality implications, with a need for careful management in accordance with privacy and broader ethical and legal frameworks. For operational and security reasons, my department has been advised by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) not to disclose details which could, in any way, identify potential vulnerabilities in Departmental Cybersecurity arrangements.
214. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has a paid subscription with a social media company (details supplied). [4604/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department does not have a paid subscription with the social media platform detailed.
215. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to the announcement of approximately €23.5 million in forestry premium payments issued in 2026, the amount of funding payments made to farmers; the amount of payments made to other applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4645/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe grants available under the Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme include an annual income tax free premium payment for applicants, and these are made for a period of 20 years for applicants with farmer status and 15 years for other applicants.
Recently a total of €23.47 million was issued to applicants in respect of 2026 premium payments. The breakdown is as follows:
2026 Forestry Premium Payments
|
Payments to Farmers |
€17,706,278.47 |
|
Payments to other applicants |
€5,766,837.39 |
|
Total |
€23,473,115.86 |
Forest owners who have not submitted their online applications so far, can still apply online for their forestry premiums through the Department’s Online Services website ([www.agfood.ie]). This facility will remain open all year, and the department will continue to process online applications for 2026 forest premiums as they are received, with payments being issued on a weekly basis.
