Written Answers Nos. 742-761
743. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports available or planned for suckler and beef farmers facing income volatility due to reduced cattle throughput and price pressure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45270/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department and Bord Bia constantly monitor the market situation across the beef supply chain and I understand the challenges currently facing suckler and beef farmers, including the ongoing volatility in global commodity markets.
One of the most effective tools in addressing volatility is the certainty provided by payments from both national and EU supports.
These include measures available to farmers through both the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP), which is worth €9.8 billion to farmers and rural communities over its lifetime, and through exchequer-funded schemes, designed to improve the productivity and profitability of participating enterprises.
Consistent with the Government’s commitment to protect and enhance farm incomes, my Department is providing a record level of national and EU supports aimed at promoting a viable, resilient and sustainable drystock sector.
I have allocated over €83 million in direct targeted supports for the suckler sector in 2026. In addition to the ongoing Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme, which is worth over €51 annually to participants, the National Dairy Beef Weighing Scheme has a budget of €4m and the 2026 Beef Welfare Scheme has a budget of €28 million and will open for applications in mid-August.
Ministerial trade missions and Bord Bia’s promotional activities further reinforce the position of Irish agri-food products, including beef, in British and European markets.
I am acutely aware of the volatile nature of farm income and in accordance with the programme for Government, I will continue to provide scheme supports for beef and suckler farmers to ensure the future viability and sustainability of those enterprises.
745. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the independent scientific assessment commissioned by his Department in respect of the Protection of the Native Irish Honeybee Bill 2021; the date it was completed and received; when it and any Departmental evaluation will be published; whether updated Attorney General advice has been sought or received following that assessment; and the current position on progressing the Bill through Dáil Éireann, the timeline for publication of the research. [45296/26]
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 legal advice in relation to the Protection of the Native Irish Honey Bee Bill 2021, 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 has not requested advice from the Attorney General since the research report has been finalised.
746. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of herd number applications for companies that his Department has demanded an entirely new application for, due to a change in keeper details during the application process; to detail on a by county basis in each of the years 2010 to 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45356/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe herd number system underpins animal disease control measures, traceability obligations and the administration of farm support payments. Given the importance of the system to public health, food safety, and the integrity of national and EU schemes, my Department applies robust verification and assessment procedures when processing applications.
In recognition of the fact that applications for herd numbers can vary significantly in their factual and legal circumstances, there is variability in how individual herd number applications are assessed. Applications involving corporate entities, partnerships, shared farming arrangements or questions concerning keepers, land availability or herd ownership can all involve different processes including sometimes that a new application be submitted. My Department does not categorise herd numbers with reference to the precise procedures or verification steps employed during the assessment process and therefore cannot provide the information requested.
747. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has an any way to identify which Parliamentary Questions are AI generated; and the amount it costs, on average, to answer a Parliamentary Question. [45362/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has no information on whether PQs received are AI generated.
The cost of answering a PQ relates to the staff time involved, which varies considerably depending on the question asked. The average cost per PQ is not available.
748. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to detail the cause of death and the manner of death of the 5,960 non-coursing greyhounds whelped in years 2021 and 2022 and reported deceased on a system (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45576/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraRásaíocht 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 question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for RCÉ and, therefore, the question has been referred to that body for direct reply.
749. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department has received reports or complaints concerning the welfare of greyhounds associated with the Parteen case in County Clare; the number of greyhounds involved; the actions taken by his Department and any relevant agencies in response; whether an investigation is ongoing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45685/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraRásaíocht 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.
My Department is aware of this case which is subject to ongoing monitoring by officers in RCÉ, who are authorised officers under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. My Department takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously and responds to any reports of alleged animal cruelty or legislative non-compliance.
750. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of greyhounds injured in racing, trials and sales events to-date in 2026, by type of injury; the date and location where they occurred; the number killed outright or euthanised by track vets; the number and causes of additional racing fatalities; and the results of any related post-mortems. [45728/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraRásaíocht 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 question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for RCÉ and, therefore, the question has been referred to that body for direct reply.
751. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a water EIP pilot scheme payment will issue to a farmer in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45740/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that the applicant 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.
752. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an BISS and ANC over declaration penalty in respect of a farmer in County Kerry (details supplied) will be reviewed following the submission of additional information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45741/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe named applicant’s 2025 BISS and other area based schemes application was subject to a Conditionality Inspection carried out on 15th October 2025.
The inspection found that two land parcels that had been claimed as eligible were not eligible for payment under the terms and conditions of area based schemes.
The applicant was informed of these findings, on 23 October, and an interim notice issued on 2 December 2025, which was followed up by a letter on 3rd December advising of the right of review.
A review request was received from the applicant’s agent on 3 June, which was followed up by a request for further information. Once this information is received the review will proceed.
753. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a grant for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45774/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted a payment claim for grant-aid in respect of a mobile slurry tanker with attachment, under the Lower Emissions Slurry Spreading Scheme, which is a measure under the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) on 10 April 2026.
During the pre payment checking of the claim issues arose related to the geo-tagged photos. A letter detailing these issues and requesting the required additional information was sent to the person named on 12 June 2026.
Payment will issue once all outstanding issues are resolved in line with the terms and conditions of the scheme.
754. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports and funding streams available for organisations involved in marine protection and conservation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45816/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe €258 million seafood development programme forms Ireland’s principal source of funding for the seafood sector in the coming years. This programme is funded under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), which is co-funded by the government of Ireland and the EU.
As part of this fund bodies such as the Marine institute offers some particular funding opportunities.
Marine Biodiversity Scheme
The Scheme may support actions that contribute to the protection and restoration of marine biodiversity and ecosystems and the achievement of Good Environmental Status.
Data collection national programme
This Scheme administers funding provided for implementation of the national work plans referred to in The Data Collection Framework Regulation requires that Member States collect primary biological, technical, environmental and socioeconomic data within the framework of a multi-annual national programme. This National Programme is required to include:
Multi-annual sampling programmes:
A scheme for at-sea monitoring of commercial and recreational fisheries,
A scheme for research surveys-at-sea;
A scheme for management and use of the data for scientific analyses purposes.
The new programme also addresses the need for an increase in scientific capacity to address emerging end-user (stock assessment) needs and to improve advice on Management Strategy Evaluation, mixed fisheries analysis and ecosystem modelling. It also includes new data streams from self-sampling and by-catch sampling, vulnerable marine ecosystems and mixed fisheries analysis. The new programme will also address specific data and knowledge gaps for data poor stocks to respond to advisory demands and to service policy support for fisheries management.
Marine knowledge scheme
The Marine Knowledge Scheme aims to enable the collection, management, analysis, processing and use of marine data to improve the knowledge on the state of the marine environment and inform a sustainable blue economy.
An important goal is to contribute to the achievement of climate change objectives. The scheme will improve understanding of impacts of climate change on marine activities and on the environment. It will improve coordination, processing, sharing and quality of marine data nationally and internationally.
The EMFAF legal framework includes the specific objective to strengthen sustainable sea and ocean management through the promotion of marine knowledge. It will contribute to actions that aim to collect, manage, analyse, process and use data to improve the knowledge on the state of the marine environment.
The Marine Knowledge Scheme will fill critical knowledge gaps. A better understanding of the spatial and temporal changes in ecosystem services, provides a baseline from which changes can be monitored. These data and forecasting capabilities are also necessary to ensure sustainable development in a changing climate. Availability of data that relate to Clean Oceans are important for informing the implementation of marine spatial planning. This includes physical, biological and chemical pollution, for example approaches for monitoring and assessing marine pollution, alien species or litter including Micro-/nano- plastics and other materials.
755. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of the presence of anguina pacificae in golf clubs across Ireland; whether his Department has engaged with the Department of Culture; Communications and Sport and the relevant sporting bodies to create a strategy to prevent this parasite from spreading to other courses; whether supports exist to help clubs with mitigation strategies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45823/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAnguina pacifica is a nematode and an established pest of turf grass. The species is not regulated under EU Plant Health Regulations and therefore my Department has no regulatory function regarding this pest. Accordingly, my Department has not engaged with the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport in respect of Anguina pacifica.
Anguina pacifica is spread through the movement of contaminated soil and plant debris. The control of this pest is a management and biosecurity issue for the sector. Industry experts are best placed to support the sector in developing management and mitigation strategies.
756. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a specific assessment, review, risk analysis or research has been undertaken since 2020 regarding the economic, biodiversity, climate resilience, storm resilience or forest health risks associated with the concentration of Sitka spruce within the State forestry estate; and if he will provide the title, date and author of each such assessment. [45879/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra757. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proportion of the State forestry estate comprised of Sitka spruce in each of the years from 2020 to 2025, in tabular form; the projected proportion in 2030, 2040 and 2050 under current forestry plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45880/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra758. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether any scenario modelling, stress testing or contingency planning has been undertaken regarding the potential impact of a major pest outbreak, disease event, storm event or climate-related disruption affecting Sitka spruce within the State forestry estate; whether the economic, timber supply, biodiversity and carbon sequestration implications of such scenarios have been assessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45881/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra759. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of hectares within the State forestry estate comprised of mixed-species forestry stands, by species composition bands of less than 25%, 25% to 50%, 50% to 75%, and greater than 75% dominance by a single species; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45882/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra760. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether an assessment has been undertaken of the storm, pest, disease or climate resilience risks associated with the 141,000 hectares of the State forestry estate in which Sitka spruce represents greater than 95% of total tree composition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45883/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra761. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether Coillte has established a target, objective or projected timeline for reducing the area of the State forestry estate in which a single species represents more than 90% of total tree composition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45884/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 756 to 761, inclusive, together. Coillte was established as a commercial state company with private limited status under the Forestry Act, 1988, to become custodian and manager of the national forest estate and is currently managing 440,000 hectares of land (7% of the total area of Ireland). The day-to-day operations, such as the management of their forests, are a matter for the company.
I therefore have asked Coillte to respond directly to the Deputy on the matters raised.
