Written Answers Nos. 71-100
71. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the measures being taken to expand youth diversion and early intervention programmes aimed at preventing criminal activity among young people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35443/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very pleased that this Government has, in recent years, significantly increased the funding for youth justice initiatives. The budget allocation for Youth Justice measures has increased by 144% from 2020 to 2026. Following a significant increase of €7.3 million in additional core exchequer funding as part of Budget 2026, the total allocation for youth justice measures is now €43 million.
The Government’s focus on diversion and early interventions is a keystone in the Youth Justice Strategy 2021-2027. The strategy emphasises early intervention, prevention, family support and community engagement. It is aimed at promoting positive behavioural change and targeting this behaviour so that we can break the cycle of offending by young people.
Part 4 of the Children Act 2001 provides the statutory basis for the Garda Youth Diversion Programme. The intention of this programme is to divert children, aged 12-17 years old, who have engaged in criminal or anti-social behaviour away from the Criminal Justice system and towards more positive pro-social behaviour and life choices.
Young people who are deemed suitable by the Director of the Garda Youth Diversion Programme are referred to local Youth Diversion Projects, where, in collaboration with a Garda Juvenile Liaison Officer, these Projects provide supports to children to address their behaviour, engage in positive self-development, and connect with their communities.
While there has been an approximate 25% increase in the population of 12-17 year olds over the past ten years, the number or children coming to the attention of the Garda National Youth Diversion Bureau has remained steady, pointing to an actual reduction in youth offending. Between 2012 and 2022, there has been a drop in total criminal incidents involving children of 35% and a reduction of 31% in the number of children in detention over the past ten years.
There are currently 94 Youth Diversion Projects across the country that are funded by my Department. With these funds, these Projects employ dedicated Youth Justice workers who respond daily to the needs of young people across the country. Every young person in Ireland now has access to a youth diversion service.
The Department also funds specialised Youth Justice Workers and Programmes in Youth Diversion Projects catering to Early Intervention, Family Support and Harder-to-Reach, serious and prolific young offenders.
The Department, in collaboration with the Probation Service, also operates a number of initiatives distinctly designed to address serious and prolific youth offending for those who may be deemed unsuitable for diversion, these are: the Greentown Programme, the Bail Supervision Scheme and targeted interventions for children who are harder to reach in terms of addressing prolific and serious offending.
72. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the average waiting time for criminal and family law cases in Cork city and county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34605/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe management of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given the separation of powers in the Constitution. The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas at: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie
The delivery of court services is an operational matter for the Courts Service. Therefore, I have referred your question to the Courts Service for their direct reply.
75. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to outline his plans for managing work and education visas to ensure immigration numbers are sustainable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35607/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government contains a commitment to publish a National Migration and Integration Strategy detailing how Government intends to meet the demands and the opportunities facing Ireland’s society and economy over the next decade.
My Department is currently working collaboratively with a wide range of other Government departments to develop this strategy with the aim to publish Ireland’s first overarching whole-of-government National Migration and Integration Strategy later this year.
As part of this strategic approach, I am reviewing the area of student permissions. This work is aimed at ensuring that the system remains robust and rules-based, supports high-quality education providers, and continues to offer a positive experience for genuine students coming to Ireland.
The scope of the Strategy will also include issues such as labour market needs, legal pathways, international education and planning for public service provision including housing, amongst other issues relating to migration.
To that end, a Strategic Migration Policy Group (SMPG) was established in December 2024 to support that work which now consists of ten Government Departments, which has been previously outlined to the Deputy, meeting at senior official level.
The key objective of the Strategy and the SMPG is to develop a whole-of-government approach to migration policy that is coherent across Departments and responsive in seeking to address Ireland’s current and future demographic, economic and social policy needs.
More broadly, capacity-based planning for Government services is a matter for each Department in its area of responsibility, be that Health, Education, Housing or any other sector, whether the demand for those services increases or declines in line with demographic changes, and whether those demographic changes arise from natural increases or declines in population or from immigration or emigration.
The Government considers such matters at a central level in initiatives such as the National Development Plan and National Planning Framework, and via consideration at appropriate Cabinet Committees of capacity planning measures.
76. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will outline measures to improve access to legal aid services for people in rural areas of Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35792/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Legal Aid Board (LAB) is the statutory body responsible for the provision of civil legal aid and advice to persons of modest means, in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995 (“the 1995 Act”) and the Civil Legal Aid Regulations 1996 to 2021. Section 3(3) of the 1995 Act states that the Board shall, subject to the provisions of the Act, be independent in the exercise of its functions.
Civil legal aid and advice is provided primarily through a network of law centres by solicitors employed by the Legal Aid Board. The Legal Aid Board also engages private solicitors and barristers to provide services in certain instances. I am informed that the Legal Aid Board has had a presence in Castlebar, Co. Mayo since 1985 and that it opened a new co-located Law & Family Mediation Centre in Cavendish House, Castlebar. The establishment of a co-located centre in Castlebar reflects the Board's commitment to putting mediation at the heart of its service delivery model; consistent with its national strategy and the approach being rolled out in new law centres across the country. The Centre provides legal advice and aid services to those who qualify in several areas including family law, childcare, assisted decision making, victim representation and other civil matters under the 1995 Act.
I was pleased to announce, as part of Budget 2026 measures for the justice sector, and as outlined in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2026, additional funding of €8.973 million has been made available for the Legal Aid Board in 2026, bringing its total allocation for the year to €73 million. This increase of 14% in funding will support a programme of modernisation and increased access to justice for clients of the Board.
Having a civil legal aid scheme and a Legal Aid Board which is equipped to meet the changing needs of society is critical to ensuring access to justice, particularly for those who have very modest means. In June 2022, a Civil Legal Aid Review Group under the chairmanship of former Chief Justice Frank Clarke, SC, was established to review the current operation of the Civil Legal Aid Scheme. The outputs of the review were published in July 2025 and contained several recommendations aiming to improve access to legal aid.
The recommendations from the Review will also have to be considered with due regard to the findings from Ireland’s first legal needs survey, conducted in 2025 with the support of the European Commission and the OECD. This survey will provide invaluable insights into the extent of legal need in Ireland. While preliminary results of the survey have been released, further analysis is underway, with the Department working closely with the OECD on final outputs.
I have asked my officials to examine the recommendations of the review and engage as necessary with stakeholders as part of that process.
77. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide an update on the progress being made to reduce the processing times for international protection applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34695/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere has been a significant increase in investment into the international protection system over the last years which, combined with digitisation and process reengineering, has facilitated a major increase in processing capacity and demonstrates a strong commitment to reducing cases on hand.
In 2025, the International Protection Office (IPO) delivered over 20,200 first decisions compared to approximately 14,100 in 2024, a 44% increase. The International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) more than doubled the number of appeals closed from 3,100 in 2024 to nearly 6,300 in 2025. As of 5 May, IPAT has closed 3,170 appeals this year and is on track to significantly exceed the number of appeals closed in 2025.
The table below shows the number of international protection applications received from 2023 to 2026.
|
Year |
International Protection Applications |
|
2023 |
13,271 |
|
2024 |
18,553 |
|
2025 |
13,153 |
|
2026* |
4,420 |
*To 10 May 2026
The table below shows IPO first instance median processing time in months from 2023 to 2026.
|
IPO First Instance Median Processing Time in Months |
|
|
2023 |
13 |
|
2024 |
16 |
|
2025 |
14 |
|
2026* |
12 |
*To 11 May 2026
Accelerated processing was introduced in November 2022, and it now applies to those from designated safe countries of origin, applicants who have received protection elsewhere in Europe and those from a country with a particularly high number of applications.
The table below shows the median processing time in months of applications for international protection under the accelerated procedure from 2023 to 2026.
|
IPO First Instance Median Processing Time in Months – accelerated procedure |
|
|
2023 |
2 |
|
2024 |
3 |
|
2025 |
4 |
|
2026* |
2 |
*To 11 May 2026
All IPO first instance decisions other than Refugee Status grants can be appealed to the International Protection Appeals Tribunal.
The table below shows the number of international protection appeals accepted by the IPAT from 2023 to 2026.
|
Year |
Number of Appeals Accepted |
|
2023 |
4775 |
|
2024 |
8835 |
|
2025 |
15334 |
|
2026* |
5088 |
* To 10 May 2026
The table below shows the median processing time for appeals from 2023 to 2026.
|
Year |
Median Processing Time in Months |
|
2023 |
5.5 |
|
2024 |
10.0 |
|
2025 |
12.5 |
|
2026* |
12.7 |
*To 10 May 2026
The table below shows the median processing time for appeals under the accelerated procedure from 2023 to 2026.
|
Year |
IPAT accelerated procedure median processing times in Months |
|
2023 |
4.5 |
|
2024 |
9.8 |
|
2025 |
8.6 |
|
2026* |
6.9 |
* to 10 May 2026
Please note figures are correct at time of issue and may be subject to data cleansing.
As the Deputy will be aware, the International Protection Act was passed into law last month and gives effect to the EU Migration and Asylum Pact. My Department continues to focus on preparing for these new rules to take effect on 12 June 2026.
The Pact will provide a fair, sustainable and efficient asylum procedure. This will be achieved through convergence in asylum practices across the EU including standardised processing times for decisions: six months for a standard procedure, three months for accelerated and border procedures and two months for processing applicants who have applied for protection elsewhere in Europe.
Faster processing will mean that applicants spend less time in International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) accommodation, and this will significantly reduce the cost of the asylum system to the State. Faster decision-making will also mean that successful applicants will be granted international protection sooner, and those whose applications are refused can be returned to their country of origin sooner.
78. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current plans for the IPAS accommodation at Kippure, County Wicklow, much of which is subject to planning enforcement by Wicklow County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35712/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn accommodation service provider provides accommodation for people seeking international protection at Kippure Holiday Village in Co. Wicklow on behalf of the Department.
All regulatory matters, including those related to planning, are between the local authority and the accommodation service provider.
The Department is aware of ongoing engagement between the provider and the local authority in relation to a number of planning matters at this property, and that these matters are currently before the courts.
The Department is informed that the planning matters at this site are related to parts of the property that are not contracted to provide IPAS accommodation.
Availability of IPAS accommodation remains under pressure, and though numbers of applications have reduced since 2024, approximately 1,000 people are making applications each month.
Kippure Holiday Village will continue to accommodate people seeking international protection until the relevant proceeding are concluded. Any action required as a result of the outcome will be followed up without delay.
Details of contractual arrangements in relation to International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation centres are treated confidential and commercially sensitive.
However, there is full transparency from the Department in terms of providers receiving payments, with details of all payments over €20,000 and the recipients published quarterly online at gov.ie here: www.gov.ie/en/collection/dfdadb-department-of-children-and-youth-affairs-purchase-orders-for-20000-o/
79. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the total number of gardaí recruited to work in Mayo in the past ten years; the total number of gardaí who have left the force in County Mayo during the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35065/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Garda Síochána publishes information in relation to the allocation of Gardaí nationally, including a breakdown of Garda divisions and stations nationwide. This includes a breakdown of Probationer Gardaí assigned by Garda Station from 2015 to the end of March 2026, the latest date for which figures are available. This can be found at the following links:
2014-2025 www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/human-resources-and-people-development/garda-hr-directorate/garda-strength-breakdown-2025/garda-strength-breakdown-2025.html
2026 www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/human-resources-and-people-development/garda-hr-directorate/garda-strength-breakdown-2026/garda-strength-breakdown-2026.html
The Deputy should select the most recently available date and then select the file titled ‘Allocation of Probationer Gardaí by Division and Station 2015 to the most recent date" to access a breakdown of Gardaí assigned by station.
It should be noted that the Mayo Division was amalgamated with Roscommon/Longford Division under the new Operating Model in 2022.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that 39 probationers were assigned to stations in Mayo since 2015, which includes one probationer who was assigned in February 2026. The allocation of each intake of newly attested probationer Gardaí is considered by the Commissioner in the context of the overall operational needs and policing priorities of the organisation, whilst also having regard to the resourcing requirements of each Garda Division. It is also important to note that the allocation of Probationer Gardaí is one part of the overall picture. Another part is the transfer of serving Gardaí to their preferred location which is facilitated by the attestation and allocation of a Probationer Gardaí.
I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that, when allocating and transferring Gardaí to and from any Division, consideration is given to commitments and undertakings outlined in the Annual Policing Plan. The requirements of all Garda Divisions nationwide are also taken into account, which include:
• Local and national crime trends and workloads
• Policing arrangements and operational strategies
• Local population and trends, geographical area and size
• Transfer applications, including welfare, personnel issues and concerns.
Newly attested Gardaí are allocated to specially designated training stations which have the required training and development structures and resources in place, including trained Garda tutors and access to a permanently appointed supervisory Sergeant who is thoroughly familiar with their responsibilities under the training programme.
The table below has been provided to me by the Garda authorities and outlines the number of retirements and resignations in Mayo from 2016 to March 2026
|
Year |
No. of Retirements/Resignations |
|
2026 |
5 |
|
2025 |
12 |
|
2024 |
15 |
|
2023 |
19 |
|
2022 |
15 |
|
2021 |
16 |
|
2020 |
21 |
|
2019 |
5 |
|
2018 |
10 |
|
2017 |
12 |
|
2016 |
9 |
|
Total |
139 |
Earlier this week An Garda Síochána launched their latest recruitment drive. This competition will help to ensure that we maintain the steady pipeline of new recruits. I encourage anyone with an interest in a career as a Garda member to apply through publicjobs.
I am determined to ensure that we have a steady pipeline of new recruits into the Garda college so that we can see more Gardaí assigned all around the country.
81. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the actions he has taken to better protect those in domestic violence situations such that renewal of a barring order is not left for renewal until 24 hours before expiry, and to give direction to local authorities to factor in existing barring orders in terms of deciding permanent exclusion from the tenancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28427/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe determination of applications for domestic violence orders, including any further applications prior to expiry, is a matter for the judiciary, who are independent in the exercise of their functions. The Domestic Violence Act 2018 provides a suite of civil court orders designed to protect applicants and any dependent persons, including safety orders (section 6), barring orders (section 7); and short term/interim protection measures including protection orders (section 10), interim barring orders (section 8) and emergency barring orders (section 9).
A barring order directs the respondent to leave and/or prohibits entry to the place where the applicant (and/or dependent persons) resides, and may include additional prohibitions such as using or threatening violence, molesting, putting in fear, attending in the vicinity, following or communicating with the applicant or dependent persons. Emergency barring orders can be made for a period not exceeding 8 days. An interim barring order made ex parte can be made for an initial period not exceeding 8 days, and if made on notice to the respondent, it will ceases to have effect on the determination of the hearing for the substantive barring order.
Where a substantive barring order is made for a specified period, the 2018 Act provides that the applicant may apply to the court before the expiration of the order for a further barring order to take effect from the date on which the order expires. Applicants who anticipate ongoing risk should engage with the relevant court office as early as possible in advance of the expiry date to ensure that any further application can be processed and listed in good time, and to avoid any gap in protection.
To avoid any gaps in protection, the Act also provides for immediate, short-term protections where urgency arises. In particular, a protection order (section 10) may be sought in conjunction with an application for a safety order and/or barring order, pending the full hearing. In higher-risk circumstances, an interim barring order (section 8) or emergency barring order (section 9) may be sought. In addition, section 24 of the 2018 Act allows for a special sitting of the District Court to be arranged in certain circumstances on request by a member of An Garda Síochána (not below the rank of sergeant), to facilitate urgent applications where no sitting is available in the appropriate District Court district at the time. An order under section 9 may not exceed eight working days and further emergency barring orders may be made against a respondent within a month of the expiry of a previous barring order where exceptional circumstances justify this.
My Department is working to develop a new policy on removal orders to take offenders out of the home in high-risk cases. In particular, new powers are under active consideration that would allow gardaí to intervene in cases where they believe there is a high risk of domestic violence offences being committed.
85. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether he is satisfied that the current regulatory and inspection regime is sufficient to prevent poor welfare standards and illegal puppy farming practices in dog breeding establishments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36171/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAnimal welfare is a key priority for me as Minister and for the Government. My Department has lead policy responsibility within government for animal welfare and takes this matter most seriously.
I am committed to the policy that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner and remain committed to the continued robust enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, which provides a modern framework for regulating and applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare.
My Department keeps the Act under review in light of key developments in the areas of animal welfare, the law and having regard to the practical lessons learnt from operating the Act.
In order to bring a coherent approach to dog control, last year, all policy and legislative responsibility under both the Control of Dogs Act (1986) and Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 transferred to my Department. In both cases, local authorities retain responsibility for all operational and enforcement matters.
All dog breeding establishments are required to undergo an annual veterinary inspection to ensure compliance with welfare standards in Ireland. Part of this inspection is to ensure that animals are in good health, have appropriately sized enclosures and that these enclosures are clean and have adequate food, water and bedding.
A high-level stakeholder group was established in 2024 to consider policy and legislative matters, specifically the Dog Control Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act.
The stakeholder group’s remit includes considering the need for legislative change. This requires in-depth analysis and consultation to ensure that amendments are not just robust, fit for purpose and implementable, but that they also deliver the best outcomes for communities.
My Department is committed to reviewing all legislation relating to dogs, and in this regard will be guided by the recommendations of the Dog Control Stakeholder Group. I expect the group to revert to me with recommendations on the matter imminently. In the meantime, I am fully committed to progressing the work in this area.
I hope to come forward with the Heads of a new Bill to amend the Dog Breeding Establishments Act shortly.
86. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps his Department is taking to reduce the cost of farm fertiliser. [35021/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraRising input costs are having a significant impact on farmers, their families and businesses. This is a period of challenge and uncertainty for our farm families and I have been working proactively to support them through this period, including through the Fuel Income Support Scheme.
My Department has no function in terms of fertiliser prices beyond the regulatory function of ensuring products placed on the market are in keeping with the fertiliser regulatory framework and that standards such as nutrient content etc. are as described.
However, I continue to monitor the market situation given the impact that fertiliser prices have on Irish agriculture.
Significant work has taken place on Irish farms to improve nutrient use efficiency and the recovery of organic manures at farm level while reducing dependency on chemical fertilisers. Our CAP Strategic Plan supports farmers to adjust their farming practices to reduce reliance on chemical fertiliser and to improve use of organic fertiliser.
To support farmers, Teagasc has published comprehensive information packs for farmers and their advisorsto optimise the use of plant nutrients and to help farmers address the challenge of maintaining their farm outputs in the face of rising fertiliser costs.
This covers issues of soil testing, lime application, nitrogen usage, organic manures, fertiliser spreading and many other topics that will be incredibly useful for farmers.
At Agri Fish Council, I have also repeatedly raised the issue of the effects on price of the introduction of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
The EU Commission published a draft Regulation amending the original CBAM Regulation which proposes a new Article 27a which would enable the Commission to remove a commodity from the requirements of the CBAM Regulation in the event of serious and unforeseen consequences on price.
Government supports the objective of Article 27a and continues to engage with the Commission on its proposal.
In addition, the EU Commission has confirmed its intention to publish a Fertiliser Action Plan, due shortly, addressing prices and supply. We await an initial draft of the Plan and the proposals it will contain.
89. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is considering any emergency measures to significantly increase plantation of forests to achieve his own forestation targets and to expand plantation of native trees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35626/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraForests have a key role to play in our national objectives of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, and Government’s afforestation target of 8,000 hectares per year is set out in the Climate Action Plan.
The Forestry Programme 2023-2027 offers landowners a choice of 12 Forest Types covering a range of diverse planting options. It includes specific schemes that support the planting of native trees including for example, Native Forests, Continuous Cover Forestry, Agroforestry and Emergent Woodlands. Small-scale planting is also facilitated through the Native Tree Area Scheme which does not require an afforestation licence.
Afforestation is of course a voluntary land use choice for landowners. However, I am confident that the existing attractive supports under the Forestry Programme, in conjunction with improvements resulting from the Mid-Term Review, will continue to support landowners to plant trees on their land and grow the forestry sector into 2026 and beyond. The success of this approach was evident with 2,527 hectares of new forests planted in 2025, representing a significant increase and positive trajectory compared to the 1, 573 hectares of 2024.
My Department has also recently published the results of the Mid-Term Review of the Forestry Programme 2023-2027. During this process, a thorough review of the existing Forestry schemes and measures was undertaken in conjunction with stakeholders. The actions arising from this consist of a comprehensive package of financial and administrative measures.
The annual broadleaf target within this Programme has also increased from 30% to 50% of total annual planting. This is reflective of the substantial increase of 66% in premium rates for the establishment of a native forest, as well as five additional years of premiums for farmers across most Forest Types. Furthermore, a 20% broadleaf species component is now mandatory for all mixed forest types, including Sitka spruce, thus supporting increased biodiversity and habitat linkages.
My Department is also committed to ensuring that public bodies and public land can play a role in helping to meet national afforestation targets while also delivering community benefits through native tree planting. The Planting on Public Lands initiative supports public bodies in identifying suitable lands for planting, navigating technical and regulatory requirements, and aligning projects with appropriate forestry schemes, such as the Forest Type 3 (FT3) Forest Creation on Public Lands, Native Woodland Conservation, and NeighbourWood schemes.
Building on recent success in this area, a second phase of the Planting on Public Lands initiative is now underway, focusing on embedding afforestation within complementary climate and biodiversity frameworks, positioning forest creation on public lands as an integrated component of wider Government policy objectives.
92. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will prioritise farm succession and young farmers in the negotiations for the Common Agricultural Policy post 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35738/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe European Commission’s proposals for the post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) recognise the importance of generational renewal and supporting young farmers. Ireland has consistently highlighted the importance of maintaining strong supports for young farmers and farm succession throughout the CAP negotiations.
Generational renewal is essential to ensuring the long-term sustainability, resilience and competitiveness of the Irish and European agricultural sector. Young farmers and new entrants play a vital role in maintaining vibrant rural communities, supporting innovation and ensuring continued food production into the future.
The Commission’s proposals include a range of measures aimed at supporting young farmers, including establishment supports, income supports, investment measures, training and knowledge transfer initiatives. The proposals also include broader supports for rural business development and diversification, which may assist in improving the attractiveness and viability of farming and rural life for future generations.
Ireland has carefully examined the Commission’s proposals, and we continue to engage actively with the European Commission and fellow Member States to ensure that the future CAP framework remains workable in practice and continues to provide meaningful support for generational renewal in an Irish context.
A robust and adequately funded CAP framework is essential for all farmers, but particularly to ensure that our young people have the confidence to choose farming as a career.
94. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps being taken to improve farm succession and encourage more young people into farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35782/26]
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. Their report looked at existing supports in detail and estimated that at least €429 million in supports were provided in 2024. 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 the Commission's 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 are being 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 and we are currently progressing others.
The work of the Commission ensures we have a comprehensive, well-considered foundation for our ongoing work in supporting generational renewal.
95. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline the bovine TB incidence rates in 2019 and 2025, and the related new obligations that have been introduced since 2019. [35780/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraBovine TB (bTB) is an ongoing emotional and financial challenge for Irish farmers. In recent years there has been a significant increase in bTB levels nationally. TB Herd Incidence at the end of 2019 stood at 3.72%. This compares to a rate of 6.02% for 2024 and 5.72% for 2025.
The recent reduction reflects the combined efforts of all stakeholders in communicating and acting on scientific advice on the necessary steps we all can take to reduce the risk of bTB on Irish farms.
Since 2019 a number of new policies were introduced as follows:
• Aligning changes with EU Animal Law bTB regulations introduced that cows of all ages and males over the age of 36 months required additional testing.
• The use of Gamma Interferon Test (GIF test), which is a blood test to detect bovine TB (bTB) infection. The level of bTB infection in the herd determines whether the GIF test will be used. It is used in herds where bTB is present and has spread within the group of cattle tested.
• GIF testing has also been extended to reduce the risk from inconclusive animals.
In addition to these measures the Financial Working Group agreed on a number of enhancements to the suite of compensation measures available to farmers who experience a TB breakdown in 2023.
With the recent increased levels of disease, I launched the ‘Bovine TB Action Plan: Addressing Bovine TB in Ireland’ in September 2025.
The aim of the Action Plan is to reset the TB programme by putting in place measures necessary to tackle the current disease situation.
As part of the implementation of the Action Plan, on 13 April 2026 there were a number of changes introduced to animal testing and animal movement requirements to the bTB programme to reduce the transmission of bTB from cattle to cattle including:
• The removal of the post-movement test option for all cows and for males over 36 months of age.
• All dairy cows moving into a breeding herd will require a 30-day pre-movement test.
• 30-day pre-movement testing for contract reared heifers.
• The introduction of mandatory GIF testing in large breakdowns of breeding herds (this will apply to herds in a bTB restriction on or after 13 April 2026).
• Restriction on sale of exposed cohorts where GIF tests are carried out in larger breeding herds for a period of two years after the removal of the last reactor (this will apply to herds in a bTB restriction on or after 13 April 2026).
I believe that, working collaboratively with stakeholders, we can further bring down the incidence of Bovine TB.
99. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the impact of Sitka spruce plantations on biodiversity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35799/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe forestry application process applied by my Department provides a comprehensive legislative and regulatory platform for assessing applications for licences in relation to regulated forestry activities.
A central focus throughout is ensuring that each project, whether it includes commercial species or only species just planted for nature, is compatible with the protection of water, biodiversity, archaeology and the landscape, and that it complies with all relevant national and EU legislation.
Sitka spruce is the main commercial tree species in Ireland. There are a number of reasons for this. It performs well on a large range of soil types, it has a very high timber yield and its timber is suitable for construction, pallets, fencing and pulp.
Sitka spruce trees provide sheltered habitats for a variety of bird species, such as crossbills, goldcrests and siskins. Various small mammals such as shrews, wood mice and squirrels also inhabit these forests. Meanwhile, deadwood in the form of heavier branches, stumps and sections left on the forest floor for this very purpose, support fungi, insects and other invertebrates.
Regarding other ecosystem services, rainfall is intercepted by the conifer canopy, thereby reducing surface runoff (and soil erosion) and allowing water to gradually soak into the soil. This helps to regulate the flow of water during periods of high rainfall, and controls soil erosion.
All of these ecosystem services are further enhanced in newly planted forests of Sitka spruce, which must include setbacks alongside watercourses, archaeological features, public roads and other environmental receptors. Long periods of inactivity on these sites in general, ensure that such forests protect and enhance water quality.
In the past, some Sitka spruce forests were planted on deep peat soils. This is no longer the case. Today, no new Sitka spruce forest can be planted on deep peat soils and as part of the Forest Strategy Implementation Plan there is a specific action addressing these legacy Sitka spruce forests and there is work ongoing between my Department, Coillte and the NPWS to examine and implement redesign and habitat restoration measures for forests on peatlands based on the best available science.
One of the objectives of the current Forestry Programme is to plant at least 50% broadleaf species. This is currently being achieved. Additionally, all newly planted forests, include mixed coniferous high forest, require a minimum per-application broadleaved species component of 20% by area.
100. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions being taken to strengthen Ireland's food security and domestic food production capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35441/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is one of the most food secure countries in the world, ranking second of 113 countries assessed for food security in the Global Food Security Index. Furthermore, the most recent Teagasc Sustainability Report finds that Irish dairy, cattle, tillage and sheep farms produce protein sufficient to meet the requirements of over 36 million people, or 30 million people on a net basis (when inputs taken into account).
Nonetheless, recent geopolitical crises have challenged established assumptions on food security. The crisis in the Middle East has again focused our attention to potential vulnerabilities in food production and supply. We are seeing conflict disrupting production, global supply chains and markets, and impacting most on vulnerable groups. As I said at the Agrifish Council meeting in Luxembourg last week, food security is a pillar of global security and should be a priority for us all.
Ireland’s approach to delivering sustainable agriculture and food is set out in Food Vision 2030, our stakeholder-led strategy. While Ireland has a comparative advantage in grass-based livestock production - and this will remain at the core of our agri-food output - there are advantages in working towards a more diversified sector. I recently announced a mid-term review of Food Vision 2030, and food security will be among the issues to be considered. Cognisant of areas where Ireland is very import dependent, earlier this year I launched with Minister Burke an initiative to financially support new flour mills.
The EU Single Market and Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) are the critical mechanisms for ensuring food security throughout the European Union and Ireland. The Government will continue to support farmers as we make payments under Ireland’s €9.8 billion CAP Strategic Plan and via specific supports.
I will continue to engage actively and constructively in negotiations concerning CAP post-2027 to ensure that the agri-food sector in Ireland and Europe continues to benefit from an ambitious, workable and adequately funded CAP that balances economic, social, and environmental sustainability and underpins food security.
My Department continues to engage through the European Food Security Crisis preparedness and response Mechanism (EFSCM), to ensure that we have adequate preparation for and responses to potential and real threats to global food security. Recent discussions have focused on the situation in the Middle East and its potential impact on food security, with particular focus on trade flows, energy and fertilisers.
I will be engaging further on these matters over the next months and during Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
