Written Answers Nos. 868-887
868. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on concerns regarding the low thresholds for degressivity in the proposed Common Agricultural Policy post-2027; the potential disproportionate impact on Irish farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9153/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra875. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the specific impacts of the proposed Common Agricultural Policy post-2027 on farmers in County Offaly, particularly in relation to tillage and mixed enterprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9160/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 868 and 875 together.
Ireland supports the principle of targeting CAP income support more effectively, particularly towards smaller and family farms. However, I have concerns that the proposed low thresholds for degressivity could have unintended and disproportionate impacts on viable, productive farms.
While detailed assessment at county level is not available, many of the Irish farms that would be affected by the degressivity proposal are not necessarily the large-scale operations that these measures are often designed to target, but efficient family farming businesses that contribute significantly to food production, rural employment and wider supply-chain activity.
Ireland’s position is that degressivity must be applied in a balanced and proportionate way. Member States need sufficient flexibility to reflect national farming structures, labour intensity and regional realities, and to avoid creating unintended disincentives for productive farms.
Negotiations on the post-2027 CAP are still at an early stage. Ireland will continue to engage actively at EU level to ensure that the future CAP remains fair, workable and adequately resourced, and that it supports farm incomes, rural communities and sustainable food production.
869. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps his Department is taking to address the threat of reduced funding under the new Common Agricultural Policy to ensure the viability of family farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9154/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra871. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures in place to protect farm incomes in view of the European Commission’s proposed reforms to the Common Agricultural Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9156/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 869 and 871 together.
In discussing the funding of the Common Agricultural Policy, it should be borne in mind that this funding forms part of a broader EU budget, or Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which is negotiated by Finance Ministers and then agreed by Heads of State. The Department of Finance and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are the lead Departments in this regard, in close consultation with Department of An Taoiseach.
That said, Ireland is firmly opposed to any reduction in CAP funding. The indicative allocation proposed for Ireland is not acceptable given the scale of the challenges facing farmers and the need to sustain rural communities. I will continue to advocate for a strong and well-resourced CAP that underpins the sustainability and competitiveness of Irish agriculture.
The Common Agricultural Policy remains the EU’s primary tool to support farm incomes and ensure the long-term viability of farming across Europe. Ireland’s priority is to ensure that the next CAP continues to provide effective, predictable income support, while also enabling farmers to meet environmental and sustainability objectives.
Negotiations on the Commission’s proposals are still at an early stage, and Ireland is actively engaged in Council discussions to secure improvements, including greater funding certainty, stronger safeguards for farm viability, and flexibility for Member States to design measures suited to national farming structures.
870. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which the Government plans to support generational succession in farming amid the proposed changes to the Common Agricultural Policy post-2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9155/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe challenge of generational renewal in farming is widely recognised at both national and EU level. The Programme for Government prioritises supporting inter-generational farm succession. Food Vision 2030, our shared strategy for the agri-food sector, states that generational renewal in farming is critically important to ensure the future viability and social sustainability of the Irish agri-food sector and of rural Ireland.
There are a number of supports for generational renewal currently available to farmers under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027. These supports are complemented by a suite of strong national taxation measures, access to finance supports, as well as advisory and education & training support. Despite these significant supports the average age of farmers continues to rise.
The Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming was established to examine this issue, which is complex, with many factors involved. The Commission adopted an objective, evidence-based approach to examining all the factors involved and engaged closely with stakeholders. They produced a thorough analysis and have made 31 recommendations across a wide range of areas including CAP Supports; Pensions; Taxation; Access to Finance; Access to Land; Collaborative Arrangements; Advisory Services; Education and Training; Gender Balance; and the Overall Attractiveness of the Sector.
I was pleased to launch their report last September. As noted by the Commission, this is an issue for all of the agri-food stakeholders to address; to support the environmental, social and economic sustainability of farming, and to enhance its image as a career.
An implementation group in my Department is currently considering the recommendations and will monitor implementation on an ongoing basis. The current CSP is fully programmed and the budget has been committed. Therefore, recommendations in the report around CAP supports will need to be considered in the context of the new round post 2027, including the new CAP regulation and a new budget. The EU Commission has also published a new Strategy for Generational Renewal in Agriculture. I welcome this increased focus, and their new strategy comes to many of the same conclusions as our own Commission.
While some recommendations can only be progressed in the context of the next CAP, others can and will be implemented in a shorter time frame. I am pleased that some of the taxation recommendations have already been progressed in Budget 2026.
The work of the Commission ensures we have a comprehensive, well-considered foundation for our ongoing work in supporting generational renewal.
872. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will commit to advocating for a ringfenced budget for the LEADER programme in the next Common Agricultural Policy negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9157/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra873. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions being taken to retain local decision-making in the LEADER funding model under the proposed Common Agricultural Policy changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9158/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 872 and 873 together.
The Government is committed to the LEADER programme, which is operated by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, and which has a long track record of supporting rural communities through locally-led development and strong local decision-making.
Under the Commission’s proposals for the CAP post-2027, LEADER remains a mandatory intervention. While it is not proposed for funding from the proposed ring-fenced CAP allocation, it will still need to be funded from Member States’ overall National and Regional Partnership fund. Ireland is examining this carefully to ensure that LEADER can continue to operate effectively and with sufficient support.
As negotiations progress, Ireland will continue to advocate for a CAP framework that recognises the importance of rural development measures, and provides the necessary flexibility and certainty for their delivery.
In relation to local decision-making, Ireland’s priority is that the core bottom-up model of LEADER is fully protected. The strength of the programme lies in decisions being taken at local level, responding to local needs and priorities.
My Department is working closely with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to keep it informed of developments in the CAP negotiations, and to ensure that its perspectives are fully taken into account in shaping Ireland's position.
Negotiations remain at an early stage, and Ireland will continue to engage actively to safeguard LEADER’s role as a key support for rural resilience and community-led development.
874. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which sustainability is being integrated into the agri-food sector's roadmap to achieve export growth from €13 billion to €21 billion by the end of the decade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9159/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s approach to delivering sustainable agriculture and food is set out in Food Vision 2030, Ireland’s stakeholder-led strategy. Its vision is for Ireland to be “A World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems”, with environmental, economic and social sustainability at its core. It takes a food systems approach, recognising the importance of greater policy coherence and the involvement of all the food system stakeholders. It was designed using a food systems approach, recognising the requirement to have greater policy coherence across agriculture, food, and the environment.
Food Vision’s goals are grouped around four high-level missions:
• A Climate Smart, Environmentally Sustainable Agri-Food Sector.
• Viable and Resilient Primary Producers, with Enhanced Wellbeing.
• Food that is Safe, Nutritious and Appealing, Trusted and Valued at Home and Abroad.
• Innovative, Competitive and Resilient Agri-Food Sector, Driven by Technology and Talent.
In relation to the value of exports, in 2024 agri-food exports were a record €19 billion, a 5% increase by value on 2023 and a 65% increase since 2014. This highlights the global orientation and exceptional quality of Irish produce, which accounted for 8.6% of Irish goods exported, reaching over 190 markets worldwide. Estimates for 2025 indicate that Irish agri-food exports are on course to exceed €20 billion. The growth of agri-food exports has been driven by value in recent years, in keeping with our approach to delivering sustainable agriculture and food as set out in Food Vision 2030.
As Chair of the Food Vision High Level Implementation Committee (HLIC), I provide continued oversight of the process, supported by cross-government collaboration and sectoral engagement, ensuring sustainability is at the heart of our thriving agri-food sector. I recently announced a midterm review of Food Vison 2030 to ensure that it remains ambitious, focused, and responsive to evolving challenges and opportunities.
876. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to enhance the powers of the Agri-Food Regulator to address profiteering in food price increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9161/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am satisfied that the Agri-Food Regulator is fulfilling its overall statutory role to the highest standards, in particular on enforcing Unfair Trading Practices legislation, and continues to work on behalf of stakeholders along the agri-food supply chain.
In relation to its price and market analysis role, the Regulator reported that while the majority of operators had submitted all information requested of them, a number of operators failed to comply with its requests for information on a voluntary basis.
As a result, in December 2025, I signed new regulations to fulfil the Programme for Government commitment to confer on the Agri-Food Regulator enhanced powers to compel price and market information from agrifood businesses, including retailers, to deliver additional transparency in the agri-food supply chain.
I am satisfied that the new regulations are proportionate and while the Regulator has no role in setting market prices, it will allow the Regulator to provide further insightful analysis of the agri-food marketplace with a view to strengthening the position of smaller suppliers, while having regard to the potential impact on the competitiveness of and competition within retail and food service sectors.
The new regulations will come into force on 31st December 2026. This lead-in period is to allow the Regulator to develop the capacity and the procedures required to deliver on its additional responsibilities under the new regulations.
It should be noted that these new powers relate only to its price and market analysis function, and that the regulator already had robust powers of inspection and investigation in relation to its role as the enforcement authority for the unfair trading practices regulations.
877. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action being taken to address the most recent cuts to Ireland's fishing quotas, following on from previous cuts of 26% in 2024 as a result of Brexit, and 22% in 2025; if he accepts that these cuts will have a devastating impact on the Irish fishing fleet and processors, especially the inland fisheries sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9355/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe outcomes of the December 2025 Fisheries Council will, regrettably, result in reduced fishing opportunities for Ireland's fishermen and women in 2026.
The most significant reduction arising from December Council relates to the Mackerel quota. The scientific advice - on which the EU bases its decisions on quota setting - reflects the impact of overfishing of the stock by certain Third Countries. I have repeatedly raised the overfishing of Mackerel by certain Coastal States outside the EU at meetings of European Fisheries Ministers and I have called for the EU to take a strong position to protect this valuable stock.
In response to the impact of the outcomes of last December's Council, together with Minister Heydon, I am establishing a working group under the auspices of Food Vision 2030 to develop a framework of supports to address the substantial challenges currently facing Ireland's seafood sector. The Terms of Reference of that Group are being finalised and, once approved, all relevant stakeholders will be contacted regarding their participation on the committee; including representatives from the processing and catching (both offshore and inshore) sectors. "Inland fisheries" relate to fisheries in rivers and lakes etc. and so will not be covered by this Working Group.
Mr. Michael Berkery, former General Secretary of the Irish Farmer's Association, has been appointed to act as an independent Chairperson for this group. I am confident that, under his impartial leadership, the contribution of all committee members will be considered to the benefit of Ireland's seafood sector.
In terms of Brexit impacts - the Seafood Sector Taskforce made a number of recommendations to leverage Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) funding to support Ireland's seafood sector and coastal communities in responding to the challenges posed by Brexit. In the context of BAR schemes implemented by Bord Iascaigh Mhara, under the oversight of my Department, just over €178 million was paid out under fisheries, aquaculture, processing and blue economy support schemes. Further information is available online from [BIM - The Brexit Adjustment Reserve Fund].
The Department administered the Brexit Adjustment Local Authority Marine Infrastructure (BALAMI) Scheme directly, which saw an investment of €40.4 million to modernise and enhance local authority owned marine infrastructure to help offset the impacts of Brexit on our seafood sector.
878. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of staff directly responsible for cybersecurity, as distinct from IT, within his Department; if a threat analyst, vulnerability manager and a cyber infrastructure engineer are employed; if not in-house, if this work is outsourced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9423/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor operational and security reasons, the Department has been advised by the National Cyber Security Centre not to disclose details of the Department's cyber security arrangements. It is not considered appropriate to disclose particular arrangements in place in relation to IT security tools and services.
879. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which his Department examines third party supply chain vulnerability when it comes to cybersecurity. [9441/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor operational and security reasons, my Department has been advised by the National Cyber Security Centre not to disclose details of the Department's cyber security arrangements. It is not considered appropriate to disclose particular arrangements in place in relation to IT security tools and services.
880. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of inspections carried out by his Department, or on its behalf, relating specifically to the welfare of exotic animals kept as pets, including reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and non-domesticated mammals, in each of the years 2020 to 2025 inclusive; the number of non-compliances identified; the number of animals seized; and the number of prosecutions initiated arising from such inspections, in tabular form. [9496/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra881. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department maintains disaggregated records relating specifically to inspections, seizures and enforcement actions involving exotic pets, distinct from other animal welfare cases; and if not, the reason such records are not maintained. [9497/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra882. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to set out clearly which public body holds lead statutory responsibility for the routine inspection and enforcement of animal welfare standards in respect of exotic animals kept as pets in private ownership; and how responsibility is apportioned between his Department, local authorities, and any other State bodies. [9498/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra883. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department has conducted or commissioned any formal risk assessments since 2015 relating to zoonotic disease, public health risk, or biosecurity threats arising from the private ownership of exotic pets; if so, to provide the dates, scope and issuing bodies of such assessments; and if not, the reason no such assessments have been undertaken. [9499/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra884. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of veterinary inspectors employed by or available to his Department who have formal training or recognised expertise in the treatment and welfare of exotic species; and whether his Department has identified any gaps in national capacity to deal with the seizure, treatment or rehoming of exotic animals. [9500/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra885. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of investigations carried out by his Department since 2020 into the sale or supply of exotic pets through online platforms; the number of breaches identified under the Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pet Animals) Regulations 2019; and the enforcement actions taken in each year. [9501/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra886. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether he will initiate a specific, time-bound review of the regulation of exotic pets in Ireland, separate from the general Animal Welfare Strategy, including consideration of positive or prohibited species lists; and if so, the proposed commencement date and reporting timeline. [9502/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 880, 881, 882, 883, 884, 885 and 886 together.
My Department takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously and is committed to the enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act, 2013. My Department carries out inspections on exotic animals kept as pets in private ownership only on foot of complaints received, similar to other pets.
My Department investigates all reports of alleged animal neglect or cruelty received, and appropriate action is taken up to and including enforcement where appropriate. My Department does not differentiate between species, therefore, my Department does not maintain disaggregated records relating to inspections, seizures and enforcement actions involving exotic pets as distinct from other animals.
In relation to which public body holds lead statutory responsibility for the routine inspection and enforcement of animal welfare standards in respect of exotic animals, it would depend on the species of exotic or wild animal. For instance the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wind Fauna and Flora (CITES) and associated regulations may be applicable, in which case these wild animals fall under the responsibility of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
Anyone who sells or supplies 5 or more pets annually must register as a pet seller with my Department. As part of the process, pet sellers must undergo an annual inspection by a Private Veterinary Practitioner. That register highlights that circa 30 inspections are carried out annually on sellers/suppliers of exotic pets.
In relation to zoonotic disease, public health risk and biosecurity threats, there is robust EU legislation in place to prevent the introduction and spread of exotic and zoonotic diseases in Ireland. Under EU regulation 429/2016 - Animal Health Law, a comprehensive framework for the prevention and control of transmissible animal diseases has been established to enhance biosecurity. All exotic pets entering Ireland must pass through a designated point of entry where they undergo checks. In addition, these animals are subject to EU sanitary requirements.
My Department, continues to monitor and undertake preparatory work in respect of exotic diseases in Ireland. Awareness posters are present at arrival points to the EU in accordance with the requirements of Regulation 2019/2122
My Department does not keep records on the number of veterinary inspectors employed who have availed of formal training in the treatment and welfare of exotic animal. My Department enlists the services of suitability qualified experts as required.
My Department liaises with all online platforms that sell pets reminding them of the obligations in relation to the regulations surrounding exotic pet sales. In response to this, websites who sell exotic pets will not allow owners to advertise the sale of pet animals unless they have a Pet Sales Registration number. Any pet sales advertisements that are reported to my Department for potentially being in breach of any of the guidelines are investigated. Where breaches of the regulations are found, advertisements are removed and the owners are then investigated through the relevant channels. My Department does not keep a record of investigations undertaken into online platforms specifically.
My Department has no plans at this time to conduct a time-bound formal review of Ireland’s approach to regulating exotic pets.
887. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress made in addressing the issue of wandering, unchipped horses in urban settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9519/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Control of Horses Act 1996, local Authorities may take a range of actions in relation to equines wandering in urban settings. My Department provides funding to local authorities as a contribution towards the costs incurred by them in the operation of the Control of Horses Act, 1996. Enforcement of the Act is a matter for the relevant local authority
The rules in relation to equine identification are set down in EU Regulation 2016/429 as transposed into Irish law by the European Union (Animal Identification and Tracing) Regulations, S.I. 254 of 2023. In accordance with this legislation, horses must be identified by an injectable transponder (microchip) and a single lifetime identification document, known as an equine passport. It is an offence under S.I. 254 of 2023 not to comply with these requirements and a person who commits this offence is liable on summary conviction, to a class A fine, or on conviction on indictment to a fine not exceeding €500,000, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years, or to both.
Ensuring a horse is properly identified is a basic and essential responsibility of ownership, underpinning as it does our traceability system. Robust traceability is vital to ensuring horse owners and keepers are accountable for the welfare of their horses.
Improving equine traceability is a priority for my Department and substantial progress has been made in this regard with the implementation of my action plan based on the recommendations in Professor Paddy Wall's report. The new central equine database represents a major milestone as it links horses to their premises and their operators and is a big step forward in ensuring owner accountability. Over time, I am confident that improvements such as this will enhance enforcement capability and limit the scope for individuals to evade their legal obligations to ensure their horse is properly identified.
