Written Answers Nos. 810-829
810. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of non-coursing greyhounds placed in foster care centres/care homes under a programme (details supplied) from 1 January to 31 March for each of the years 2022 to 2025 and to date in-2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37248/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra811. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm the total number of greyhounds homed by a centre (details supplied). [37249/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 810 and 811 together.
Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a commercial state body established under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The questions raised by the Deputy are operational matters for RCÉ and, therefore, the questions have been referred to that body for direct reply.
812. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the plans to update the dog licence fee exemption to include assistance dogs for those with additional needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37350/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am committed to reviewing all legislative relating to the control of dogs.
Regarding the legislation in the area, a high-level Dog Control Stakeholder Group was established in 2024 to review the Control of Dogs Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act. Its remit was to consider policy and legislative matters in relation to those Acts and consider any need for legislative change. The stakeholder group was comprised of members with a broad range of expertise including academics, veterinary surgeons, local authorities, farming interests, charities working in the field and animal welfare experts.
I have very recently received the report of the Dog Control Stakeholder Group, which I am considering, including any recommendations in relation to dog control legislation.
813. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of additional staff employed or that will be employed by his Department directly or under contract for the purposes of Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026. [37445/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Presidency of the Council of the European Union presents an important opportunity for Ireland to lead and shape the European agenda, and the Government has made a firm commitment to resource and deliver a successful Presidency in 2026.
My Department is meeting Presidency staffing requirements primarily from within existing resources. A requirement for an additional 25 officers has been identified to further support this delivery.
All expenditure will be incurred in accordance with the Public Spending Code, public procurement rules and relevant Government circulars. My Department will continue to seek to minimise costs where possible, including through the use of existing facilities and shared service arrangements.
814. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action he and his Department will take to prevent the tropilaelaps mite from entering Ireland by way of importing honeybees which would have a devastating effect on the native Irish honey bee population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37585/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraEU Animal Health Regulations set down rules for the entry of bees into and movement within the EU. The Regulations contain specific provisions to safeguard the health of bees located in the territory of the Union, including safeguarding against the tropilaelaps mite.
To date, the tropilaelaps mite has not been reported in Ireland. Nevertheless, my Department is aware of the increasing threat posed to the beekeeping sector by this pest and is closely monitoring the situation.
Furthermore, my Department engaged with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland to enhance biosecurity readiness, and participated in a bee health contingency test exercise for the tropilaelaps mite and the small hive beetle held in conjunction with the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute in February 2024.
My Department operates the Sentinel Apiary Programme the aim of which is to ensure the early detection of two exotic pests, Small Hive Beetle and Tropilaelaps spp. The 2026 programme is due to commence shortly and anyone interested in participating in the programme for 2026 can contact Beekeeping@agriculture.gov.ie for further information.
815. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a payment to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37607/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted a payment claim for their 2024 Non-Productive Investments (NPI) Annual Works Plan (AWP) on 20th February 2026. This claim is currently being processed for payment. As is the case with all Department payments, applications must clear the required validations before payment can issue.
My Department has resolved an issue which prevented this application from progressing through the validation checks for payment in respect of their 2024 NPI claim. Once the claim passes the remaining validation checks, payment will issue on the next 2024 AWP payment run before the end of this month.
816. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding his Department's report commissioned in relation to the native Irish honey bee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37659/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra817. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the interest groups and experts that have been engaged with in relation to his Department's report commissioned on the native Irish honey bee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37660/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra818. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the timeline for publication of his Department's report in relation to the native Irish honey bee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37661/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra819. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the basis for any delays in progressing his Department's report in relation to the native Irish honey bee commissioned in October 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37662/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra820. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the framework and basis of his Department's report in relation to the native Irish honey bee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37663/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 816, 817, 818, 819 and 820 together.
The Protection of the Native Irish Honey Bee Bill 2021, which seeks to ban the importation of non-native honey bees, is a Private Members Bill and is currently before Dáil Éireann, Second Stage.
Following advice from the Office of the Attorney General, my Department procured independent scientific evidence and in October 2023, a contract was signed with the National University of Ireland, Galway for the provision of research services on the native Irish honey bee (Apis mellifera mellifera).
The research work concluded in December 2024, and the research report was subsequently evaluated by an external expert. Following the completion of the evaluation, the research service provider was afforded the opportunity to respond to the evaluator’s comments and these comments were received in September 2025. My Department is currently finalising the overall response to the report.
My Department is very supportive of beekeepers and beekeeping associations and we regularly engage and participate in events and meetings organised by them.
821. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the independent scientific assessment of the threat to apis mellifera mellifera, commissioned by his Department under a 12-month research contract signed in October 2023 with University of Galway and delivered in December 2024, will be published in full; the reasons for the delay in its publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37694/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra822. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his Department's position on the Protection of the Native Irish Honey Bee Bill 2021 (Bill No. 133 of 2021), which passed all Seanad stages in October 2024 and is currently awaiting Second Stage in Dáil Éireann; whether the Government intends to support, oppose or amend the Bill; the timeline for bringing the Bill to Second Stage in the Dáil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37695/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 821 and 822 together.
The Protection of the Native Irish Honey Bee Bill 2021, a Private Members Bill, which seeks to ban the importation of non-native honey bees, is currently before Dáil Éireann, Second Stage. Progression of the Bill through Dáil Éireann is subject to the procedures of the Oireachtas.
Following advice from the Office of the Attorney General, my Department procured independent scientific evidence and in October 2023, a contract was signed with the National University of Ireland, Galway for the provision of research services on the native Irish honey bee (Apis mellifera mellifera).
The research work concluded in December 2024, and the research report was subsequently evaluated by an external expert. Following the completion of the evaluation, the research service provider was afforded the opportunity to respond to the evaluator’s comments and these comments were received in September 2025. My Department is currently finalising the overall response to the report.
823. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the percentage of honey bee consignments entering the State that are physically inspected at the point of entry for the presence of Tropilaelaps mites, small hive beetle and other notifiable pests, including inspection of attendant workers, brood and packaging; whether his Department has put in place mandatory physical checks at Irish ports of entry for all bee imports, in line with the recommendation of national beekeeping organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37696/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra824. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has assessed the risk to the Irish honey bee populations from Tropilaelaps mercedesae, a parasitic mite now confirmed in parts of Eastern Europe including European Russia, Georgia and Ukraine, and described by international experts as, in every way conceivable, a worse pest than Varroa; whether he will consider imposing precautionary restrictions on honey bee imports from affected regions, as the United Kingdom did on 7 October 2025 in respect of imports from Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37697/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 823 and 824 together.
The movement of bees within the European Union is governed by Regulation (EU) 2016/429 (the Animal Health Law) which is supplemented by Commission Implementing and Delegated Regulations (Regulation (EU) 2020/688 and 2021/403). These EU regulations contain specific provisions to safeguard the health of bees located in the territory of the Union including safeguarding against tropilaelaps mites. The importation of honeybees into Ireland is allowed under these Regulations. There are no plans to introduce a temporary ban on the importation of bees.
To date, Tropilaelaps spp has not been reported in Ireland. Nevertheless, my Department is aware of the threat posed to the beekeeping sector by these pests. In light of this, my Department is assessing the additional risks posed to bees from these pests.
Bees moving to Ireland from another EU Member State must be notified to the Department at least 24 hours before the consignment’s arrival. These consignments must also be accompanied by a health certificate which has been issued by the Competent Authority in the Member State of origin.
Bees entering Ireland from a third country are subject to official controls before entry is permitted. In Ireland, my Department is the Competent Authority responsible for carrying out import controls in accordance Regulation EU 2017/625 on Official Controls.
Official controls on consignments of bees are carried out at Border Control Posts by Department staff. A consignment of honeybees or bumble bees may only enter Ireland through an approved Border Control Post that has been designated for entry of bees. Dublin Airport, Dublin Port and Rosslare port are the approved Border Control Posts in Ireland designated for entry of bees.
Consignments imported from third countries must be accompanied by the relevant health certificate, which conforms to the models laid down in Regulation (EU) 2021/404 and which is signed by an official veterinarian or inspector of the veterinary authority in the country of origin.
825. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether he, his Department, or officials have engaged with the European Commission, including Commissioner Costas Kadis, DG MARE and/or DG Competition, regarding the possibility of securing approval, exemption, derogation or other flexibility under EU State aid and fisheries funding rules to allow Ireland to introduce a targeted financial support scheme for the inshore fisheries sector, including supports for weather related lost fishing days, climate adaptation, income stabilisation and public good environmental measures; if he will publish or summarise the outcome of any such engagement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37727/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland, as an EU Member State, is required to comply with the State Aid regulations. The European Commission oversees the application of State Aid rules among Member States. Failure to comply with the State Aid rules, such as a failure to provide notification to the European Commission or implementing the aid without approval can result in the Member State being required to recover any aid provided. These rules also provide for added interest to be applied.
Article 107(1) Treaty on the Functioning of European Union (TFEU) defines State Aid as any aid granted by a Member State or through state resources in any form whatsoever which distorts or threatens to
distort competition by favouring certain ‘undertakings’ or the production of certain goods. Articles 107(2) and 107(3) provide for exceptions where State Aid can be ‘compatible with the internal market’, such as aid to promote regional economic development, as well as research and innovation.
• The TFEU sets out specific classification criteria for a subsidy to be classified as
• State Aid:
• ? The measure is granted by the State or through State resources (such as a grant, loan, subsidy, or a tax exemption),
• ? The measure gives a selective advantage to one or more entity over others (such as a specific company, industry sector or within a specific region),
• ? The measure could potentially distort competition i.e., businesses receiving a tax exemption would have an unfair advantage over other businesses,
• ? The measure could potentially affect trade between EU Member States.
Most State Aid has the potential to disrupt trade within the EU.
The primary source of funding for the Irish commercial seafood sector, including inshore and island fishermen and fisherwomen, is Ireland's Seafood Development Programme (2021-2027), which is co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Commission under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) 2021-2027. The measures which are eligible for aid are set out in the regulation governing the implementation of the EMFAF regulation, which is aligned with the objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy. There is no provision for direct income supports in relation to primary producers in the seafood sector under the Common Fisheries Policy. The EMFAF regulation does not make provision for the use of EMFAF funds to provide income supports to primary producers in the seafood sector. Equally, there is no provision in the relevant EU regulations governing state aid that would allow any Exchequer-funded subsidy scheme for the seafood sector or for fishermen, in particular.
826. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he proposes to introduce legislative measures as requested by beekeeping organisations (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37750/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Protection of the Native Irish Honey Bee Bill 2021, a Private Members Bill, which seeks to ban the importation of non-native honey bees is currently before Dáil Éireann, Second Stage. Progression of the Bill through Dáil Éireann is subject to the procedures of the Oireachtas.
Following advice from the Office of the Attorney General, my Department procured independent scientific evidence and in October 2023, a contract was signed with the National University of Ireland, Galway for the provision of research services on the native Irish honey bee (Apis mellifera mellifera).
The research work concluded in December 2024, and the research report was subsequently evaluated by an external expert. Following the completion of the evaluation, the research service provider was afforded the opportunity to respond to the evaluator’s comments and these comments were received in September 2025. My Department is currently finalising the overall response to the report.
827. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline Ireland's current position on domestic food security.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37823/26]
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 most recent Agrifish Council meeting in Luxembourg, 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.
828. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to respond to correspondence (details supplied) in relation to early years education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37674/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn a very competitive labour market and with low levels of unemployment, recruitment and retention is a challenge for all employers.
The current Annual Early Years Sector Profile data shows that the number of educators/practitioners working with children in the sector has increased by over 8% between 2024 and 2025 and has increased by over 33% since 2022 with the national average turnover rate falling by 1.3% to 24.5% in 2025.
However, it is acknowledged that many early learning and childcare services report recruitment and retention issues. In general, these challenges are not caused by insufficient supply of staff, but by high levels of turnover mainly due to low pay and conditions.
Although the Government is the primary funder of the sector, it is not the employer and cannot directly set wages or conditions.
The Joint Labour Committee is the formal mechanism established by which employer and employee representatives can negotiate minimum pay rates, which are set down in Employment Regulation Orders, and is independent in its functions.
Outcomes from the Joint Labour Committee process are supported by Government through Core Funding. In this programme year 2025/26 Core Funding has increased by 6% to approximately €350 million with an additional €45 million in ring-fenced Core Funding provided to support early learning and care services in meeting the increased cost of minimum pay rates in the sector.
I recently announced, another allocation of up to €15m of ring-fenced funding from September 2026, which amounts up to €45m for the full programme year, to support service providers with costs associated with possible increases in minimum rates of pay negotiated via the independent Joint Labour Committee process.
Consequently, over 2 years, the Department has made an allocation of €90 million available to support possible increased rates of pay.
A Sub-Group of the Early Learning and Childcare Stakeholder Forum was established to address recruitment and retention challenges. The group has advanced initiatives including:
• A Student Fast-track Process for recognition of studies to work in service out of term.
• The assessment of unfinished qualifications, where people who may have started a relevant qualification but did not get to finish it, can have what they completed assessed for meeting qualification requirements.
• An agreement to promote careers in the sector.
A communications campaign is currently under development and will include a series of videos aimed at promoting careers in the Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) sector.
In addition, a careers information pack is being developed to support promotion of the sector. The pack will be provided to career guidance counsellors and other key bodies who support individuals in making education and employment decisions, with the aim of raising awareness of career opportunities and pathways within ELC and SAC.
A longer-term workforce strategy for the sector is in place: Nurturing Skills: The Workforce Plan for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare, 2022-2028 aims to strengthen the ongoing process of professionalisation for those working in the sector. One of the five "pillars" of Nurturing Skills comprises commitments aimed at supporting recruitment, retention and diversity in the workforce, and it includes actions to raise the profile of careers in the sector.
A key action in Nurturing Skills to support staff retention is the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund which enables educators who continue to work within the sector to pursue Level 7 and 8 qualifications by funding up to 90% of their tuition costs. Over 700 staff are now supported through the NSLF scheme.
The Nurturing Skills Learner Fund demonstrates how we are already delivering on our Programme for Government commitment to ‘remove barriers in education and training for early years educators to broaden access to the profession.
The National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016 provide a statutory basis for the vetting of persons carrying out relevant work with children or vulnerable persons. This Act falls under the remit of the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
The Act stipulates that a relevant organisation shall not permit any person to undertake relevant work or activities on behalf of the organisation unless the organisation receives a vetting disclosure from the National Vetting Bureau in respect of that person. All early years services are considered to undertake relevant work or activities for the purposes of this Act.
Garda vetting is an essential part of ensuring the safeguarding of children and it is the legal responsibility of the registered provider to ensure statutory vetting obligations are complied with and maintained at all times.
A standard fully complete Garda Vetting application currently takes 15-20 working days to process by the Garda National Vetting Bureau. If the person being vetted has lived and/or lives in another EU country or the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland), their Garda Vetting application can take up to 10 additional working days for EU countries and up to 20 additional working days for the UK. These processing times are across all Garda Vetting applications and are not sector-specific.
The Department engage on an ongoing basis with the Garda National Vetting Bureau to discuss operational issues and to ensure the sector is kept up to date on any vetting changes affecting Early Years services. We will continue to liaise with the GNVB to support the sector.
829. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether Ireland supports the principle that investment in democracy, civic participation, equality, and independent media should form a strategic priority within the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework; whether the Government will advocate for an enhanced financial envelope for AgoraEU during negotiations at the Council level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37755/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Finance and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade jointly coordinate Ireland's overarching positions on the proposed EU Multiannual Framework 2028-2034 (MFF). The Government’s key priorities for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) include but are not limited to a strong Common Agricultural Policy and Common Fisheries Policy; continued support for the PEACE PLUS programme in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland; funding for competitiveness and excellent research; sustained support for Ukraine; continued development and humanitarian assistance; and a revenue system that is fair, equitable, simple and transparent, primarily based on Gross National Income.
European investment is also important to ensure social fairness and to protect EU values. Dedicated funding for social programmes can address child poverty, improve employment outcomes for disabled people, address skills shortages in the care sector, including in the early years sector, and promote labour market activation for disadvantaged groups. Continued support for the Union of Skills agenda is also required to deliver on the EU competitiveness agenda.
Negotiations on budgetary allocations are expected to intensify as the year progresses, including under Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2026. As Presidency, Ireland will act as an honest broker and lead negotiations in a manner that protects the interests of the EU.
Ireland, coordinated and led by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, has been closely engaged to-date in the negotiations on the proposal for a Regulation establishing the AgoraEU programme 2028-2034, which would serve as a successor to the current Creative Europe (C.E) and Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) funding programmes.
This Department, working closely with officials in the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, has led coordination on the aspects of AgoraEU which relates to new CERV+ funding programme. The intended purpose of the CERV+ programme, as supported by the Council, is to promote and protect EU values. If adopted, the CERV+ components of AgoraEU would include objectives to promote democratic participation, equality, gender equality, the rights of persons with disabilities, and the rights of the child.
At its most recent meeting on 12 May 2026, the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport (EYCS) Council agreed a partial general approach (PGA) on the proposed Regulation. This PGA will be the basis for all future negotiations by the Council on AgoraEU.
It is important to note that the PGA agreed at EYCS Council excludes detail on the overall funding level for the programme, as the final allocation of funding must be agreed as part of the wider EU Multi-Annual Financial Framework negotiations. The level of funding under the next EU budget cycle is therefore a matter for the Minister of Finance.
