Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
494. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the findings of the government-funded PigTail Project; his Department’s position on the widespread concerns expressed by Irish pig farmers regarding the risks and costs of ceasing tail docking; the financial or practical supports he intends to provide should regulatory changes be pursued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13921/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra495. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will rule out any unilateral move to ban or restrict tail docking in the Irish pig sector without full compensation, revised housing standards and market premiums for producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13922/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 494 and 495 together.
The continued development of the pigmeat sector is a priority for my Department, given the pivotal role the industry plays in the national economic context.
My Department continues to engage with industry stakeholders through the Food Vision Pig Group on a wide range of issues affecting the pig sector, including financial resilience and long term sustainability. By addressing challenges collaboratively and capitalising on opportunities, the sector can continue to thrive and contribute significantly to Ireland's agricultural and economic landscape.
There is EU legislation in place to protect the welfare of pigs which sets out detailed provisions on the housing, environmental conditions and management requirements for pigs that are kept for rearing or fattening. In addition, the legislation does not permit the routine docking of pigs tails; tail docking can only be carried out when there is evidence of tail biting and when other measures are taken on-farm to deal with tail biting risks.
My Department has implemented specific measures to help farmers manage tail biting risks on their farms. These include providing over 1400 free Animal Welfare Risk Assessments which have been carried out across approximately 400 pig farms to date. These assessments, which are overseen by Animal Health Ireland, focus on tail biting risk factors and allow farmers to work with their veterinarian to create a farm specific action plan to address these risks.
Improving infrastructure on pig farms is important and significant funding has been made available to pig farmers under the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3), to build new, high-welfare pig housing, to include much more space for pigs, more comfortable flooring and more feeding space. Under this scheme grant aid is paid at the rate of 40 percent up to the maximum investment ceiling of 500,000 euro.
Research is also key to moving forward in the area of pig welfare. My Department has funded research projects in conjunction with Teagasc, that focus on important pig welfare topics.
Pig welfare like all animal welfare is a priority for my Department and we will continue to strive to improve pig welfare through research, by providing supports to pig farmers as well as through effective oversight and regulation.
