Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2026
175. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the assessment that has been carried out regarding the economic impact of restrictions to the export of Irish livestock to mainland Britain on farmers and livestock exporters, particularly in relation to farm incomes, cashflow, and market access; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35400/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV3) in earlier this year, the animal health certification conditions under which cattle and sheep can move to Great Britain, could no longer be met. Certification requirements for the movement of livestock to Great Britain are ultimately a matter for the GB Competent Authorities.
Ireland exported approximately 1,600 bovines to Great Britain in 2025 compared to 2,400 in 2024 and 1,000 in 2023. My Department continues to engage with industry stakeholders and monitor developments in export requirements to ensure that Ireland remains competitive while maintaining the highest standards of animal health and welfare.
While farmers have benefitted from good market returns in recent years, I have also ensured that they can continue to improve the competitiveness and productivity of their suckler, dairy beef and mixed enterprises through a record level of national and EU co-funded supports.
I am providing over €83 million in direct targeted supports for the suckler sector in 2026. In addition to the ongoing Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme, which is worth over €51 annually to participants, the National Dairy Beef Weighing Scheme is currently open for applications and the 2026 Beef Welfare Scheme will open in mid-August. The Dairy Weighing Scheme which supported 18,300 farmers last year has a budget of €4 million in 2026 and the Beef Welfare Scheme which supported 24,500 farmers last year has a budget of €28 million in 2026.
Besides these targeted supports, beef farmers can also avail of many others schemes - such as organic farming, infrastructure development and agri-environment - under the CAP Strategic Plan which provides funding of €9.8 billion over the current programming period.
