Paul Murphy
Ceist:722. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on his Department's investigation into the welfare breaches on pig farms. [45001/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAnimal Welfare
Ceisteanna (722)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously and responds to any reports of alleged animal cruelty or legislative non-compliance. The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, provides a modern framework for regulating and applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare, for all animals.
My Department does not comment on individual cases.
My Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation to Phone No 01 607 2379 and email address animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie.
Agriculture Schemes
Ceisteanna (723)
Brian Brennan
Ceist:723. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an outstanding payment for a person (details supplied) under the water EIP scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45039/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can confirm that the person named is a participant in the Farming for Water (FFW) European Innovation Partnership (EIP) project and will be paid for measures undertaken once all of the required checks have been completed. These checks are conducted in detail for each farmer payment.
The FFW EIP is delivered by an Operational Group led by LAWPRO (the Local Authorities Water Programme), which includes Teagasc, Dairy Industry Ireland and other stakeholders, including Bórd Bia.
Approvals for applications, verification of measures taken, processing and approval of individual farmer payments for the FFW EIP are made by LAWPRO's administration staff and catchment scientists. Payment checks are conducted by my Department.
Agriculture Schemes
Ceisteanna (724, 725)
Martin Kenny
Ceist:724. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 930 of 26 May 2026, if his Department can clarify the activity class on the 112,460 BISS applications for 2026 that are not referred to in this question response; and if they have met the 0.1LU/Ha. [45128/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMartin Kenny
Ceist:725. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 930 of 26 May 2026, for the 8,691 BISS applications for 2026 that were identified in this response and excluding multiple entry cases, the total area claimed in each category; and the ID the average area claimed per applicant in each category. [45129/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 724 and 725 together.
Further to Parliamentary Question No. 930 of 26 May 2026, I propose to take PQ's 45128/26 and 45129/26 together.
The table below details the number of BISS applications made under those active farmer claims not requested under Parliamentary Question No. 930 of 26 May 2026.
|
Active Farmer Claim |
~ Number of Applicants |
|
Multiple activity claim e.g. Forestry eligible and Topping |
16,500 |
|
Stocking Rate |
96,000 |
Approximately 16,500 applicants have selected multiple agricultural activities as their active farmer claim.
Approximately 96,000 applicants met the appropriate stocking requirements in 2025 and have used stocking for their 2026 active farmer claim.
The table below identifies the total and average areas associated with each of the 8,691 BISS applications identified under Parliamentary Question No. 930 of 26 May 2026.
|
Active Farmer Claim |
Number of Applicants |
Total Area |
Average Area |
|
Forestry Eligible |
327 |
2,877 |
9 |
|
Growing eligible crops |
1847 |
112,721 |
61 |
|
Keeping horses/donkeys/deer |
457 |
7,158 |
16 |
|
Keeping sheep/cattle/goats |
3940 |
167,280 |
42 |
|
Maintaining Landscape Features e.g. cutting hedges, cleaning ditches |
296 |
2,994 |
10 |
|
Making Hay/Silage/Haylage |
1539 |
23,333 |
15 |
|
Share Farming (applicable only to Applicants with Tillage land parcels) |
7 |
251 |
36 |
|
Topping |
278 |
3,050 |
11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
8691 |
|
|
Question No. 725 answered with Question No. 724.
Departmental Licences
Ceisteanna (726)
Martin Kenny
Ceist:726. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of licences that have been approved for importing/exporting poultry litter from the north of Ireland for each of the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026. [45130/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The table below shows the number of licences issued by my Department allowing the dispatch of poultry litter/manure from Northern Ireland to Ireland.
|
2026 to date |
2025 |
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
|
9 |
29 |
19 |
15 |
18 |
My Department does not issue licences for the dispatch of poultry litter to Northern Ireland. These are issued by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland.
Agriculture Industry
Ceisteanna (727)
Martin Kenny
Ceist:727. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware that exporting of poultry litter from the North of Ireland to the South has been suspended; and the measures his Department is taking to have this suspension lifted. [45131/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am aware that approval of new applications for movements of manures for land-spreading from Northern Ireland (NI) to Ireland under Article 48 of the Animal By-Product (ABP) regulations (EC Regulation 1069/2009) were temporarily suspended by my Department, while administrative elements were being considered. This suspension has now been lifted and new applications can be submitted to my Department.
Forestry Sector
Ceisteanna (728, 729)
Martin Kenny
Ceist:728. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for a breakdown of the number of applicants who are in receipt of forestry payments; the number who receive an annual payment under €5,000; the number who receive a payment between €5,000 and €10,000; the number who receive a payment between €10,000 and €20,000; the number who receive a payment between €20,000 and €50,000; and the number who receive a payment above €50,000 for the years 2021- 2025. [45132/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMartin Kenny
Ceist:729. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total annual spend in forestry payments to farmers for the years 2021-2025. [45133/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 728 and 729 together.
The grants available under the Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme include an annual income tax free premium payment for applicants, and these are made for a period of 20 years for applicants with farmer status and 15 years for other applicants.
Table 1 below details the total annual spend in forestry payments to farmers for the years 2021 to 2025 as requested, with an overall spend of €221,513,648 to farmers in that time period.
Table 1: Afforestation Scheme Farmer Payments 2021 to 2025
|
Year |
1st Grant |
2nd Grant |
Premia |
Total by Year |
|
2021 |
€1,204,418.00 |
€2,523,230.00 |
€43,882,511.00 |
€47,610,159.00 |
|
2022 |
€2,119,535.00 |
€2,160,575.00 |
€41,233,504.00 |
€45,513,614.00 |
|
2023 |
€3,498,424.00 |
€1,993,780.00 |
€40,703,181.00 |
€46,195,385.00 |
|
2024 |
€4,242,747.00 |
€878,178.00 |
€36,694,187.00 |
€41,815,112.00 |
|
2025 |
€6,398,962.00 |
€587,471.00 |
€33,392,946.00 |
€40,379,379.00 |
|
|
€17,464,086.00 |
€8,143,234.00 |
€195,906,329.00 |
€221,513,649.00 |
Forest owners can apply online for their forestry premiums through the Department’s Online Services website (www.agfood.ie). This facility is open all year, with applications processed as they are received, and payments are issued on a weekly basis. It should be noted that some forest owners may own more than one plantation, and also that “banking of premiums” often occurs, this is where individuals choose to allow their premiums build-up, to claim at a future date.
The figures in Table 2 represent the recipients, both farmers and other applicants, who received an annual premium within each of the thresholds requested - not cumulative payments.
Table 2 - Afforestation Scheme Annual Premium Payment Recipients by Threshold 2021 to 2025
(All applicants)
|
Year |
< €5,000 |
€5,000 - €10,000 |
€10,000 - €20,000 |
€20,000 - €50,000 |
> €50,000 |
|
2021 |
8,765 |
2,073 |
453 |
30 |
0 |
|
2022 |
8,253 |
1,910 |
400 |
35 |
0 |
|
2023 |
8,157 |
1,842 |
391 |
36 |
0 |
|
2024 |
7,573 |
1,684 |
366 |
40 |
0 |
|
2025 |
7,206 |
1,604 |
345 |
45 |
0 |
|
|
39,954 |
9,113 |
1,955 |
186 |
0 |
Question No. 729 answered with Question No. 728.
Agriculture Supports
Ceisteanna (730)
Martin Kenny
Ceist:730. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for a breakdown of the number of farmers and agri-contractors that applied for the fuel support scheme by county; and the rate of payment. [45134/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Fuel Income Support Scheme was introduced as a targeted income support to assist farmers and agricultural/forestry contractors facing unprecedented increases in fuel costs.
My Department is currently processing the applications received and it will take a period of time for all the relevant information to be collated to allow definitive information regarding claimant numbers and payment rates.
However, based on preliminary analysis 32,417 farmers have applied for the scheme through the online application.
Separately, my Department has received in excess of 2,000 paper applications, the majority of which are from agricultural/forestry contractors, but analysis of the correspondence received is still on-going.
These numbers will likely change for a number of reasons;
• Duplicate applications
• Ineligible claims, for example as per the scheme terms and conditions a minimum payment of €100 per applicant will apply
The county breakdown for the farmer applications is set out below, the breakdown for contractors is not yet available.
Rates of payment have not yet been finalised as processing of applications is still ongoing.
|
County |
Farmer Applications |
|
Carlow |
595 |
|
Cavan |
1,189 |
|
Clare |
1,570 |
|
Cork |
4,573 |
|
Donegal |
1,125 |
|
Dublin |
200 |
|
Galway |
2,450 |
|
Kerry |
1,712 |
|
Kildare |
670 |
|
Kilkenny |
1,310 |
|
Laois |
1,105 |
|
Leitrim |
611 |
|
Limerick |
1,540 |
|
Longford |
605 |
|
Louth |
366 |
|
Mayo |
1,574 |
|
Meath |
1,039 |
|
Monaghan |
1,014 |
|
Offaly |
987 |
|
Roscommon |
1,153 |
|
Sligo |
756 |
|
Tipperary |
2,299 |
|
Waterford |
860 |
|
Westmeath |
816 |
|
Wexford |
1,623 |
|
Wicklow |
675 |
|
Total |
32,417 |
Agriculture Schemes
Ceisteanna (731, 732)
Martin Kenny
Ceist:731. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers that are currently in the ACRES scheme; and the average payment per farmer for the years 2023-2025 [45135/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMartin Kenny
Ceist:732. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total annual spend to farmers in the ACRES scheme for the years 2023-2025 [45136/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 731 and 732 together.
The Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme, or ACRES, is the flagship environmental scheme provided under the 2023-2027 CAP Strategic Plan, with €1.5 billion in Exchequer and EU funding allocated over the course of the scheme. There are currently 53,209 participants in ACRES.
In the time period from 2023 to 2025 €713,190,000 issued to participants in core scheme payments, that is excluding Non-Productive Investments and payments for participating in ACRES Training. The average core payment is €5,053.
Question No. 732 answered with Question No. 731.
Departmental Administrative Arrangements
Ceisteanna (733)
Albert Dolan
Ceist:733. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether for procurement spend, a purchase order can be raised within his Department's financial management systems without reference to a contract, framework agreement, procurement process or other authorising arrangement; if so, the circumstances in which this may occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45157/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A Purchase Order can be raised for procurement spend within my Department's Financial Management Systems without reference to a Contract, Framework Agreement, Procurement Process or other Authorising Arrangement where expenditure amounts to less than €5000 (ex-vat).
Departmental Administrative Arrangements
Ceisteanna (734)
Albert Dolan
Ceist:734. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether an invoice can be paid by his Department without an associated purchase order having first been raised; if so, the circumstances in which this may occur; the number and value of payments made during quarter one of 2026 which were not associated with a purchase order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45175/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Invoices can be paid in my Department without an associated purchase order having first been raised. This occurs in the case of certain invoices connected to specific schemes and processed through the relevant system.
It is important to state that while these invoices do not generate their own purchase order number, they are subject to the same level of scrutiny as other invoices.
The expenditure on these invoices excluding vat in the first quarter of 2026 was €864,699.05.
Wildlife Protection
Ceisteanna (735)
Michael Lowry
Ceist:735. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the status of the bill to ban the importation of non-native honey bees, first introduced in 2021; the reasons for the delay in progressing the bill beyond Second Stage in Dáil Éireann for the past 16 months despite cross-party support in Seanad Éireann; and the measures, he intends to take to advance this legislation. [45216/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
Beef Sector
Ceisteanna (736, 737, 739, 744)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:736. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps being taken to address the structural supply shock in the beef sector, including the reported 18.7% decline in first quarter 2026 cattle throughput compared to 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45263/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarol Nolan
Ceist:737. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the impact of lagged live exports and nitrates derogation constraints on national cattle availability in 2026; the measures planned to stabilise supply for Irish processors and farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45264/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarol Nolan
Ceist:739. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on the projected cattle kill levels for the remainder of 2026 and into 2027, in light of the structural changes in the national herd and dairy sector outlined by an organisation (details supplied) at the Joint Committee meeting of 27 May 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45266/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarol Nolan
Ceist:744. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his assessment of the long-term sustainability of the Irish beef processing sector in the context of ongoing nitrates constraints, live export trends, and supply contraction; the policy measures he will introduce to support both processors and primary producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45271/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 736, 737, 739 and 744 together.
The latest data published by my Department shows that aggregate cattle throughput for the year to date has declined by 10% from the elevated levels recorded in the corresponding period in 2025. However, recent analysis suggests that domestic cattle availability will likely recover in the second half of the year and that the total kill for the year will be similar to last year’s slaughter level. ICBF live calf registration data indicates a stabilisation of the national herd inventory with a 1.6% increase in total calf registrations and a 2.8% increase in beef births recorded to date this year.
Lower beef production is a feature of the UK and EU beef markets. In its outlook to 2035, the Commission projected that EU production is set to continue contracting and UK trends point to lower beef production in the medium term.
Live cattle exports averaged 351,000 head annually over the last three years with typically 70% of these animals exported by the time that they are one year old. However, there is no evidence to suggest that nitrate stocking limits had a greater impact on current cattle availability than other general economic factors affecting production decisions on individual farm enterprises.
While market dynamics influence beef production nationally and globally, I will continue to engage regularly with all supply chain actors to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. This engagement will be informed by the Teagasc mid-year review and outlook due to be published next month. My Department is also currently consulting with sectoral stakeholders as part of a comprehensive review of the Food Vision 2030 strategy.
Bord Bia, in conjunction with the meat industry, is examining consumer demand for all beef cuts in the domestic and export markets and will consider how best to reinforce the competitive position of Irish beef through targeted marketing and promotion activities and campaigns.
Finally, I have ensured targeted supports for the sector with the continuation this year of two-exchequer-funded schemes that are attractive and beneficial to beef farmers, alongside continued supports through CAP Strategic Plan schemes.
Question No. 737 answered with Question No. 736.
Beef Sector
Ceisteanna (738, 741, 742)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:738. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has examined the growing gap between strong beef export values and returns to primary producers; the actions being taken to ensure fair price transmission along the supply chain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45265/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarol Nolan
Ceist:741. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the engagement his Department has had with an organisation (details supplied) and farming organisations, particularly regarding the reported decline in consumer demand for beef steaks and joints; the initiatives planned to boost domestic and EU market demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45268/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarol Nolan
Ceist:742. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will conduct or commission an independent review of margins across the beef supply chain, given concerns that farmers are not benefiting proportionately from export performance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45269/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 738, 741 and 742 together.
I have no role in determining or intervening in prices at either farmgate or retail level. However, my Department and Bord Bia continue to closely monitor market conditions in the beef and other agri-food sectors, including trade, commodity prices and input costs.
As approximately 90% of Irish beef products are exported, global rather than domestic prices primarily determine farmgate prices for Irish cattle. Higher commodity prices driven by strong demand globally and lower levels of beef supply have driven higher output prices. Certain market segments may react to these prices by switching to less expensive beef cuts or alternative protein products. Bord Bia undertakes ongoing promotion and trade engagement activities to protect beef market share in both domestic and export markets.
It is also important to emphasise that agricultural prices are only one constituent of food prices. Final retail prices also reflect processing, transportation, packaging, marketing, and retail costs.
In relation to price transmission along the beef supply chain, I can advise that my Department previously commissioned an independent review of the price composition along the value chain. This 2021 report is available on my Department's web-site.
The Agri-Food Regulator, established under the aegis of my Department in December 2023, is performing a critical role in providing greater transparency in the operation of the agricultural and food supply chain.
The Regulator has two main functions:
• an enforcement function in relation to unfair trading practices in the agricultural and food supply chain with a view to strengthening the position of smaller suppliers against larger buyers with greater bargaining power; and
• a price and market analysis function, aimed at ensuring more transparency and fairness throughout the agri-food supply chain.
In December 2025, I signed new regulations to fulfil a Programme for Government commitment to confer on the Regulator enhanced powers to compel price and market information from agri-food businesses, including exporters and retailers, to ensure additional transparency in the supply chain.
I am satisfied that the new regulations are proportionate and, while the Regulator has no role in setting market prices, it will allow the Regulator to provide further insightful analysis of the agri-food marketplace with a view to strengthening the position of smaller suppliers, having regard to the potential impact on the competitiveness of and competition within retail and food service sectors.
The new regulations will come into force on 31 December 2026. This lead-in period is to allow the Regulator to develop the capacity and the procedures required to deliver on its additional responsibilities under the new regulations.
Question No. 739 answered with Question No. 736.
Beef Sector
Ceisteanna (740)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:740. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the latest data on the volume and value of Brazilian and other third-country beef imports into Ireland and the EU in 2025 and to date in 2026; his views on whether such imports are undermining the Irish beef sector amid domestic supply constraints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45267/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Table 1 below shows the latest data available from the Central Statistics Office on total beef imports to Ireland from third countries in 2025 and to date (January to March) in 2026. It should be noted this data is provisional and subject to ongoing revision.
Table 1. Irish Imports of Beef from Third Countries
|
|
Jan-Dec 2025 |
Jan-Dec 2025 |
Jan-Mar 2026 |
Jan-Mar 2026 |
|
Origin |
€000 |
Tonnes |
€000 |
Tonnes |
|
Brazil |
1,701 |
172 |
1,340 |
229 |
|
Other Third Countries |
264,295 |
37,152 |
75,836 |
10,855 |
|
Total |
265,996 |
37,324 |
77,176 |
11,084 |
Table 2 details the latest data available from Eurostat on total beef imported by EU member states from third countries in 2025 and to date (January to March) in 2026. It should be noted this data is provisional and subject to ongoing revision.
Table 2. EU Imports of Beef from Third Countries
|
|
Jan-Dec 2025 |
Jan-Dec 2025 |
Jan-Mar 2026 |
Jan-Mar 2026 |
|
Origin |
€000 |
Tonnes |
€000 |
Tonnes |
|
Brazil |
715,006 |
92,357 |
216,133 |
29,006 |
|
Other Third Countries |
2,701,540 |
280,713 |
594,191 |
61,043 |
|
Total |
3,416,546 |
373,070 |
810,324 |
90,049 |
Regarding the Irish beef sector, Ireland is among the largest net exporters of beef globally, with exports valued at a record €3.6 billion in 2025, an increase of €540 million, or 17%, from 2024. Irish beef imports during the same period remained relatively low by comparison, equating to 8% and 9% of beef export value and volume respectively. In terms of supply, Ireland remained the sixth largest producer of beef in the EU in 2025, with up to 90% of beef produced in Ireland destined for export. My Department continues to closely monitor developments in the beef sector.
Question No. 741 answered with Question No. 738.