Written Answers Nos. 161-180
161. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the action being taken by his Department to reduce delays in the processing of Extension of Student Conditions (ESTC) applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35678/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that an application for an Extension of Student Conditions (ESTC) is intended for unforeseen or unusual circumstances. It is not intended for students or graduates who fail to secure an employment permit and who have exhausted the maximum time permitted under the Third Level Graduate Programme.
Each ESTC application is considered on its own individual merits taking into account any exceptional circumstances put forward by the applicant. Where such permissions are extended it is generally for a period not exceeding 6 months.
To be fair to all applicants, applications are dealt with in chronological order by date received. My Department endeavours to process applications as quickly as possible. However, processing times may vary due to a number of factors, such as the number of applications on hand, individual circumstances, the complexity of applications, whether further information is required, and the resources available. My Department are currently processing ESTC applications received from October 2025, and there are approximately a total of 2,700 applications on hand.
There has been a significant increase in recent months in ESTC applications. I understand that the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and I can assure the Deputy that my Department is doing everything possible to deal with these applications as expeditiously as possible.
Applicants can now directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s Customer Service Portal. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at: https://portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/.
162. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to outline the reasons for the near 18-year delay in fully implementing electronic monitoring; to provide an update on its current roll-out; and to indicate when it will be fully operational. [35687/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe use of electronic monitoring is considered as part of wider penal policy and the operation of the criminal justice system. Decisions on when and how it should be used must take account of the statutory basis for its use, the suitability of particular cohorts, prison population trends, operational requirements across justice agencies, and value for money.
Electronic monitoring has previously been operated in Ireland. The Irish Prison Service ran an electronic monitoring programme for prisoners on Temporary Release between 2014 and 2019. That programme was discontinued following review, in the context of very low numbers using the service at that time.
The potential use of electronic monitoring for bail was also examined following the 2016 Bail Working Group recommendation. A decision was taken not to progress that proposal at that time, which was reflective of the context and prison numbers at that time.
The Prison Overcrowding Response Group recommended in March 2024 that electronic monitoring be further considered as part of the response to prison capacity pressures. On foot of that work, and in line with the Programme for Government commitment, my Department commenced a cross-agency project in 2025 to design, procure and implement an electronic monitoring service pilot for suitable categories of persons within the existing statutory framework.
That work has progressed. The initial phase will involve a 12-month pilot, focused on people on Temporary Release nationally and persons admitted to bail in a pilot area. It is proposed to use 30 to 50 electronic tags during the pilot phase. This is expected to provide capacity to electronically monitor approximately 90 to 150 people over the course of a year, depending on the duration of individual monitoring periods and operational suitability.
A tender process is currently being finalised. As this is a live procurement process, I am precluded from commenting further on the details of the competition. Updates will be made through eTenders in the normal way.
The pilot is expected to become operational in 2026. Its findings will inform decisions on any wider national rollout, including demand, operational effectiveness, data protection, resourcing and value for money. Under Budget 2026, €2.1 million has been secured to support staffing, procurement and set-up costs for the project.
163. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide an update on plans to construct a new prison at Thornton Hall, including the timeline for delivery, in light of ongoing prison overcrowding and the long-standing delays associated with the project. [35688/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am acutely aware of the capacity constraints in our prisons and the challenges faced by those who work and live in our prisons as a result. The Irish Prison Service (IPS) must accept into custody all people committed to prison by the courts and has no control over the numbers committed to custody at any given time.
Since 2024, 232 spaces have been constructed across the Prison Estate, with 126 delivered in 2024 and 106 in 2025. There are plans to build another 65 spaces in 2026.
In addition, Government has allocated funding for a significant building programme across the prison estate. On conclusion of the NDP Review in July 2025, I secured a record capital investment of €67.9 million agreed for 2026, as part of a total investment of €528 million from 2026 to 2030, of which €495 million is being invested in building projects to further increase capacity.
The Irish Prison Service is delivering one of the most significant capital programmes in the justice sector, reflecting the Government’s commitment to increase prison capacity and modernise the estate in line with population growth, with an overall target of delivering over 1,500 spaces by 2031.
This will include a large extension to the existing Cork Prison on the site of the old, decommissioned Cork Prison, a new block in Wheatfield, and an additional block extension at Midlands prison. This is in addition to spaces at Castlerea, Mountjoy and the Dóchas Centre, where an extension to Rowan House is expected to accommodate 50 women prisoners.
This record capital allocation will allow for work to start to plan and develop a new prison on the Thornton site in North County Dublin. A master plan for the site is planned to be developed in 2026, determining its future use as a combined site for use by the IPS, International Protection Accommodation Services and An Garda Síochána with plans to commence works in 2030.
164. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will extend the end date for submissions for the fuel support package beyond 22 May 2026, given that many farmers and contractors will not be able to meet this deadline, and given that accountants are under enormous pressure, and will not get through all of this work before 22 May 2026. [35356/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Fuel Income Support Scheme opened for applications last Wednesday May 6th and remains open until 27th May 2026. More than 1,270 applications were submitted to the Fuel Income Support Scheme in its first two days and continues to be actively monitored.
I introduced a scheme after engagement with the farm representative bodies that is straightforward, targeted and capable of getting money to farmers and farm contractors very quickly. The need for payments to start as soon as possible has been emphasised and we are enabling this and will continue to assist both farmers and farm contractors with their applications.
My Department engaged with representative bodies in terms of scheme design and operation on an ongoing basis. A meeting was held on the morning of the scheme opening with stakeholders to demonstrate the application system. My Department will continue to assist both farmers and contractors with their applications.
The scheme will, for the first time, provide a direct support to farm contractors, recognising the vital work they play in our farming systems. The application form has been designed to minimise the administrative burden and the number of applications to date indicates how straightforward the application process is for both farmers and contractors. To apply for the scheme, farmers only need to declare their MGO usage in 2025, no additional information is required.
165. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it is the case that if the fuel funding package is oversubscribed, subsequent applicants will get a smaller amount; and if he will ensure that all applicants will get the full amount they are entitled to. [35357/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPayment under the Fuel Income Support Scheme is not determined on a first-come, first-served basis. It is standard in Department schemes to have provision for a linear adjustment in payment rates in the event of oversubscription to respect the overall budget ceiling. In this case, the total payment each applicant will receive will be calculated once all claims have been submitted. However, it is anticipated that approximately 20 cents per litre will be the basis of the payment.
The exact rate paid to successful applicants will be based on total valid applications, subject to a maximum payment. The maximum payment is not yet determined but will be dependent on overall application levels and cannot exceed state aid limits.
166. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to extend the fuel support package to those businesses who are earning less than €30,000, and are therefore not registered for VAT. [35358/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Fuel Support Scheme has been introduced as an income support to assist farmers and agricultural/forestry contractors facing unprecedented increases in fuel costs. This is a targeted income support calculated on Marked Gas Oil (MGO ‘green diesel’) use in the agricultural and forestry sectors.
The scheme will, for the first time, provide a direct support to farm contractors, recognising the vital role they play in our farming systems. The scheme was developed through close consultation with the representative bodies for both farmers and agricultural contractors.
The eligibility criteria is set out clearly in the scheme documentation and these include the requirement for Agricultural Contractors to be tax compliant and registered for VAT.
167. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total value of agricultural food or beverage products imported into Ireland from each of the Mercosur countries in 2023, 2024 and 2025. [35376/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe below table details the value of Irish agri-food imports from Mercosur countries in 2023, 2024 and 2025, as reported by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). CSO data may be subject to revision.
|
- |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Country |
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
|
Brazil |
224,483 |
236,784 |
298,128 |
|
Argentina |
285,261 |
248,818 |
292,552 |
|
Uruguay |
1,643 |
4,384 |
4,802 |
|
Paraguay |
4,696 |
3,343 |
4,395 |
|
Grand Total |
516,084 |
493,330 |
599,876 |
Further information on Agri-food sector trade can be found in chapter six of the Annual Review and Outlook for Agriculture, Food and Marine 2024 - 2025, my Department’s flagship economic publication, which is available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/publications/annual-review-and-outlook-for-agriculture-food-and-the-marine-2024/.
168. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total value of agricultural food or beverage products exported from Ireland to each of the Mercosur countries in 2023, 2024 and 2025. [35377/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe below table details the value of Irish agri-food exports to Mercosur countries in 2023, 2024 and 2025, as reported by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). CSO data may be subject to revision.
|
- |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Country |
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
|
Brazil |
12,548 |
13,272 |
13,222 |
|
Argentina |
4,455 |
5,007 |
6,087 |
|
Uruguay |
2,131 |
3,060 |
3,509 |
|
Paraguay |
314 |
448 |
1,088 |
|
Total |
19,448 |
21,787 |
23,905 |
Further information on agri-food sector trade can be found in chapter six of the Annual Review and Outlook for Agriculture, Food and Marine 2024 - 2025, my Department’s flagship economic publication, available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/publications/annual-review-and-outlook-for-agriculture-food-and-the-marine-2024/.
169. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the category under which a small scale agricultural contractor who is not VAT registered as his annual turnover does not meet the threshold, and who does not hold a herd number, can qualify for the fuel income support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35394/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Fuel Support Scheme has been introduced as an income support to assist farmers and agricultural/forestry contractors facing unprecedented increases in fuel costs. This is a targeted income support calculated on Marked Gas Oil (MGO ‘green diesel’) use in the agricultural and forestry sectors.
The scheme will, for the first time, provide a direct support to farm contractors, recognising the vital role they play in our farming systems. The scheme was developed through close consultation with the representative bodies for both farmers and agricultural contractors.
The eligibility criteria is set out clearly in the scheme documentation and these include the requirement for Agricultural Contractors to be tax compliant and registered for VAT.
170. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline the current position regarding restrictions affecting the export of Irish livestock to mainland Britain; and to provide a clear timeline for when these restrictions are expected to be reviewed, eased, or lifted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35395/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra171. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to clarify, given that livestock movements to Northern Ireland have resumed under specific protocols, the reason similar arrangements have not yet been fully established for exports to mainland Britain; and whether the Department is working to introduce equivalent pathway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35396/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra172. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to detail the precise animal health protocols currently required for the export of livestock to mainland Britain, including requirements relating to bluetongue vaccination and/or blood testing; and to confirm whether compliance with these measures will guarantee access to the market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35397/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra173. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the engagement that has taken place with UK authorities to agree practical, proportionate, and science-based measures that would facilitate the continued export of Irish livestock to mainland Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35398/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra174. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an assessment of the expected duration of the current restrictions to the export of Irish livestock to mainland Britain, including whether they are considered temporary, seasonal, or likely to remain in place for a prolonged period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35399/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 170, 171, 172, 173 and 174 together.
Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV3) in Wexford earlier this year, the animal health certification conditions under which breeding and production cattle and sheep can move to other EU Member States, and Third Countries such as Great Britain, could no longer be met. BTV certification requirements for the Intra-EU trade of animals destined for immediate slaughter were allowed to continue even after the detection of BTV3 in Ireland.
Some EU Member States have chosen to apply derogations to these standard certification conditions, thereby allowing the inward movement of cattle and sheep from EU countries with BTV3, such as Ireland, subject to certain additional requirements decided by those Member States. The vast majority of our exports of cattle are to EU markets where no vaccination or pre-export testing is required under introduced derogations. On the 5th of March 2026, Ireland and Northern Ireland both announced derogations to re-establish national and Intra-EU trade in animals for breeding and production. Derogations only apply to movements between EU Member States and not to Third Country trade.
Certification requirements for the movement of livestock to Great Britain is determined unilaterally by the GB Competent Authorities. The veterinary health certificates for consignments of breeding, and slaughter cattle and sheep, to GB (Wales, Scotland, England) include the same requirement for BTV for countries not free of the disease for the last 24 months (e.g. Ireland): The animals must have been vaccinated with an inactivated vaccine, at least 60 days before the date of dispatch to Great Britain, against all bluetongue serotypes/s which are those officially reported anywhere in the whole territory as demonstrated through a surveillance programme during at least the preceding 24 months, and the animals are still within the immunity period of time guaranteed in the specifications of the vaccine at the time of export.
Vaccines used must hold valid authorisation for use in Ireland. There are currently three BTV-3 vaccines approved for use in Ireland: Syvazul BTV 3, Bluevac-3 and Bultavo-3. However, none of these BTV3 vaccines has of yet a determined duration on immunity. Therefore, we cannot comply with the certification requirements for consignments of breeding or slaughter animals to GB.
Ireland exported approximately 1,600 bovines to GB 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.
|
Export Destination |
2026* |
2025 |
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
|
England |
9 |
737 |
1893 |
640 |
877 |
|
Scotland |
2 |
262 |
249 |
271 |
325 |
|
Wales |
2 |
679 |
269 |
178 |
47 |
|
GB Export Total |
13 |
1678 |
2411 |
1089 |
1249 |
*part of.
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.
176. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether FLAG funding for the North West has been paused; whether funding will be made available for Fanad lighthouse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35411/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs) work to support a sustainable blue economy in coastal communities, through the evaluation and selection of projects for funding under a scheme designed to support community-led local development. Each of the FLAGs has invested considerable time and effort in developing their respective strategies, which set out the priorities for funding in their areas.
This scheme is being administered by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), whose officers work closely with the FLAGs to support their work. This scheme is being implemented under Ireland's Seafood Development Programme, which is co-funded by the Government and the EU Commission under the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) 2021-2027.
My Department has engaged with BIM regarding the application through the FLAG Northwest. BIM have advised that correspondence has issued from BIM to the applicant on the 6th May 2026 and that they welcome continued engagement from the applicant. Additionally, it is anticipated the scheme will re-open later this year.
177. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine with regards to all beef imported from the United Kingdom in 2024, if the country of origin for all imports is known to the Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35533/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll beef consignments entering the EU from a third country (which includes Great Britain) through Ireland must do so through an approved Border Control Post (BCP) - Dublin and Rosslare Ports, and Dublin and Shannon Airports. At the BCP, my Department conducts official controls on each consignment in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/625. These controls include documentary checks, identity checks and, where required, physical examinations and sampling. The documentary check includes a review of the export veterinary health certificate for each consignment - each health certificate states the country of origin of the consignment.
Beef consignments from Northern Ireland, in accordance with the Windsor Framework, do not require entry into the EU through a BCP. Beef must bear the appropriate labelling and identification marks and be accompanied by the relevant commercial documentation indicating its origin.
178. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total amount of money paid from CAP programmes in each of the years 2023, 2024 and 2025 to Teagasc, Bord Bia and ICBF; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35534/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that Teagasc and Bord Bia are non-commercial state agencies, and the funding provided to these agencies is available in their annual audited published accounts.
Teagasc Annual Report and Accounts are available at:
Publications Archive - Teagasc | Agriculture and Food Development Authority
https://teagasc.ie/publications/
Bord Bia’s Annual Report and Accounts are available at:
https://www.bordbia.ie/about/governance/annual-reports/
The exchequer funding, provided to ICBF by my Department for 2023 and 2024 inclusive, is available in the ICBF annual reports:
https://www.icbf.com/annual-reports/
The report for 2025 will be published shortly.
179. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a list of all capital projects including fishery harbour, forestry, agri-food and other infrastructure projects delivered under the remit of his Department, and bodies under its aegis, which have been completed on time and within budget in Galway in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35662/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that the information requested, in relation to all capital projects delivered under the remit of his Department in Galway, in each of the past five years, is set out in the attached table.
As regards the 13 State Bodies under the aegis of my Department, the information requested is an operational matter for the State Bodies themselves. I have referred the Deputy’s question to the Agencies and have requested that a response should issue within 10 days.
180. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if any assessment has been carried out as to the percentage of land in Ireland owned by non-Irish and non-EU member states; if he will publish that assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35684/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that no assessment has been carried out by my Department as to the percentage of land in Ireland owned by non-Irish and non-EU member states. The registration of ownership of registered private property is a matter for the PRAI, and unregistered property is recorded in the Registry of Deeds.
