Written Answers Nos. 211-217
211. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the investigation being undertaken by his Department into the concerns raised by a person (details supplied) concerning the welfare of his animals, and other matters, during a specific timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15211/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDr Sean Brady was appointed as independent chairperson of this review by my predecessor.
Dr Brady is engaging directly with the herdowner to progress this review.
As this ongoing review is independent of my Department, it is not possible for me to provide a timeframe for completion.
212. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide details of all occasions in which he or his predecessors exercised the power conferred on them under Section 15(3) of the Climate Action & Low Carbon Development Act (2015), which states that ‘the relevant Minister may, from time to time, give a direction to a relevant body requiring it to adopt such measures as are specified in the direction for the purposes of compliance by the relevant body with subsection (1)’; to provide the details of the direction given in all cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15235/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that neither I nor my predecessors have exercised this power since the Act’s commencement.
213. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of WTE qualified archaeologists employed by his Department in each the years of 2024 and 2025, in tabular form. [15336/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe figures below were extracted as per the 15/02/2026 and includes the WTE of Archaeologists in each the years of 2024 and 2025, in tabular form as requested.
|
Grade |
Year |
|
|
|
2024 |
2025 |
|
ARCHAEOLOGIST |
5 |
5 |
214. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he last met formally with the Chairperson of Sea Fisheries Protection Authority; and the topics discussed. [15446/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 15 April 2025, the Chairperson of The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) met with the Minister at Agriculture House to brief him in advance of a meeting scheduled to take place in Killybegs the following day.
On 16 April 2025, the Chairperson accompanied the Minister to a meeting in Killybegs. During this visit, the Chairperson provided the Minister with a tour of the SFPA premises and introduced him to members of SFPA staff.
215. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the land use review; the stage it is currently at; when it is expected to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15565/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLand use is complex and underpins our world class agri-food sector, as well as providing environmental and recreational services for us all. The demands on land are growing and balance is needed in our approach.
The Land Use Report Phase 2 has sought to compile an evidence base to inform and support landholders and policymakers in their future decisions for land-use in the context of achieving Ireland’s agricultural, socio-economic, climate and environmental objectives. The report will not be an articulation of government policy or strategy in relation to land use, given that there are many economic, environmental, and social considerations to be balanced in considering land use. Rather, this report will help to inform and support future considerations in this complex area including for example, leadership in leveraging the role of State-owned lands to achieve integrated land use objectives.
The Final Report for Phase 2 of the independently chaired Land Use Review Phase 2 Oversight Group has been received by myself, the Minister for Climate, Energy and Environment, Darragh O’Brien, and the Minister of State at Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Christopher O’Sullivan. Consideration of the final report is ongoing.
216. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine will he provide additional funding or assistance to a group (details supplied) for them to be able to source and purchase a suitable replacement for the Celtic Mist research vessel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15595/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland's €258 million Seafood Development Programme, which is co-funded by the Irish Government and the EU, funded under the EMFAF and is the primary funding package for the commercial seafood sector in Ireland in the period 2021-2027. This includes providing supports to the Marine Institute and Bord Iascaigh Mhara in the collection of data on Irish fisheries and aquaculture activities. Unfortunately, all funds have allocated at this point in time and no additional funding or assistance can be made available to support this proposal.
217. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to set out the policy in his Department regarding the use of artificial intelligence; whether AI is used or permitted in drawing up policy documents, speeches, answers to parliamentary questions, press releases or for other official documents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15608/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has an Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy in place since 2024 which has been communicated to all staff through an AI awareness campaign.
AI is not used or permitted in my Department for drawing up policy documents, speeches, answers to parliamentary questions, press releases or for other official documents.
All present and future use of AI are subject to human review, data protection and strict 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.
