Written Answers Nos. 138-157
141. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of officers from each State authority engaged in Operation Sonnet each year since it was established; the number of days of action that have been held each year; and the number of detections have been made each year. [46363/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that ‘Operation Sonnet’ is an An Garda Síochána (AGS) operation targeting abuse of the Common Travel Area (CTA). It targets people attempting to abuse the CTA by illegally crossing the Irish border from Northern Ireland.
During the overt element of Operation Sonnet, Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) Officers operate checkpoints and vehicle stops on north south transit routes in order to conduct immigration checks on passengers travelling by means of both public and private transport from Northern Ireland to Ireland. ‘Operation Gull’ is the UK equivalent.
During these operations, people entering Ireland illegally were refused leave to land.
The table below outlines the detections and days of action.
Table 1: Operation Sonnet statistics
|
Year |
Detections |
Days of Action |
|
2023 |
56 |
11 |
|
2024 |
235 |
37 |
|
2025 |
184 |
30 |
*Operation Sonnet was impacted by the disruption in Holyhead Port in December 2024 and January 2025.
142. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the basis on which the successful provider of the child representative service for unaccompanied minors seeking international protection was selected; the extent to which experience of working directly with separated children and child refugees was weighted in the assessment process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46382/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe International Protection Act 2026 introduces a structured, statutory framework for the appointment and role of a child representative for unaccompanied minors. The provisions are materially stronger and more explicit than under the 2015 Act, and are aligned with the EU Pact requirements.
Every unaccompanied minor applying for international protection must have a representative. All actions relating to representation must be grounded in the best interests of the child. The legislation calls for the representative to represent, assist and act on behalf of the unaccompanied minor, safeguarding the best interests and well-being of the child. Specifically, the process is designed to ensure that minors have the support they need to understand the process, while also ensuring those minors are supported with clear, accessible information about the international protection process, and are given meaningful opportunities to express their views in a manner appropriate to their age, development, and individual needs.
A working group, which included senior representatives from the Department of Justice, Home Affair and Migration, Tusla, the Red Cross, the Legal Aid Board, An Garda Síochána and others - many of whom would have significant experience of working in the international protection system and with unaccompanied minors and children in need - inputted into the requirements and qualifications required of a child representative.
In appointing an appropriate body to provide these services, it was required that the successful organisation should employ staff who had at least three years’ experience in the provision of services to children and who were:
- CORU registered social care workers or
- CORU registered Speech and Language Therapist or
- CORU registered Occupational Therapist, or
- a teacher registered with the Teaching Council, or
- a psychologist who has practised children and adolescent psychiatry.
Child representatives needed to have experience in engaging with other professionals, with a proven ability to demonstrate a high level of discretion and management of sensitive information. Representatives have to have Garda vetting clearance. Additionally, experience of assessing non-verbal cues and experience of working with children with children of different ages, abilities, backgrounds and cultures and experience of working with children with complex needs were considered desirable attributes.
The body appointed to run the service is obliged to ensure all unaccompanied minor representatives met the standards as outlined. The process specifically considered respondents who had experience of working with separated families and unaccompanied minors and those who had knowledge of the legal process and children’s rights.
The contract is in place for a pilot phase of six months, during which time a comprehensive evaluation will take place. This evaluation will inform decisions on how the programme will continue. The Department is satisfied that the successful winner of the process fulfils the requirements as outlined.
143. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will ban or restrict the use of rotenone (a natural piscicide) for the potential eradication of gyrodactylus salaris in Irish freshwater ecosystems, considering the recent NASCO (North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation) policy paper stating that rotenone is required “to preserve natural biodiversity”; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46186/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe placing on the market and use of biocidal products is governed by the EU Biocidal Products Regulation which has been transposed into Irish law via Statutory Instrument No. 427 of 2013.
Biocidal products may only be marketed and used in Ireland if they are registered with my Department.
There are currently no biocidal products containing the active substance rotenone registered for use in Ireland.
Active substances contained in biocidal products are assessed centrally at EU level for relevant types of uses and approved, or not, based on a detailed scientific assessment. This approval is based on EU-harmonised guidance and decision-making criteria and involves Member State Competent Authorities and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
The assessment of rotenone is currently on-going at EU level, and my Department will be guided by the scientific opinions and conclusions of ECHA in this regard.
144. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide clarity on the way in which prices received by CFUs and factory owned CFUs are reported to his Department; if this is done on a weekly basis; if this process is monitored and inspected; if so, how often is it inspected; if non-compliances have been found; if so, the way in which are non-compliances handled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45995/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra145. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which payments are made by beef processors to CFUs and factory owned CFUs; if they are in accordance with the same methods as standard producers; if any other alternative methods are used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45996/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 144 and 145 together.
CFUs or 'Controlled Feed Units' are epidemiological units in the context of the Bovine TB Eradication Programme.
The obligations on processors and the controls regarding the price reporting of cattle are laid down in EU legislation (specifically Commission Delegated Regulation 2017/1182 and Commission Implementing Regulation 2017/1184).
Price reporting factories notify the individual prices paid for all cattle, including from CFUs, slaughtered in the previous week on a weekly basis to my Department. All factory owned cattle are excluded from the weekly price report. The reporting of prices from the factory is monitored by my Department on a weekly basis and subject to audit twice yearly. There have been no incidences of non- compliance in relation to price reporting for such units found during audit.
146. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proportion of grain used in the production of Irish single grain whiskey that is sourced domestically; the measures that are in place to support the use of Irish-grown grain in whiskey production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46083/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra147. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether consideration has been given to strengthening requirements or supports for the use of Irish-grown grain in single grain whiskey production, in the context of protecting the integrity and value of the Irish whiskey designation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46084/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 146 and 147 together.
Protecting the integrity and value of the Irish whiskey designation is of key importance. This integrity of Irish Whiskey ensures global brand authenticity, justifies premium pricing, and secures jobs across the island. Enforcing strict Geographical Indication (GI) status prevents counterfeit products, maintaining the strict quality standards that consumers trust.
In the Irish whiskey product specification, Single Grain refers to a whiskey produced at a single distillery using a mash bill that includes grains other than 100% malted barley (such as corn, wheat, or rye), distilled in a continuous column still. The term "single" refers to the distillery, meaning the whiskey was produced entirely at one specific location rather than blended with spirits from elsewhere.
While the proportion of grains used in the production of Single Grain Whiskey in Ireland is a commercial matter for the individual distillers involved in the production of that Irish Whiskey subcategory, I am committed to supporting the use of Irish grain in whiskey production.
I continue to support new market development and market access efforts for our quality, sustainable food and drink products including Irish whiskey. My Department has also funded equipment in the National Brewing and Distilling Centre in Teagasc, Oakpark in Carlow. This facility allows producers to develop and innovate new products to meet consumer demands and tastes in the global market.
148. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to delays being experienced by farmers in the delivery of BVD samples to approved laboratories; if concerns have been raised with his Department regarding postal delays affecting the timely processing of samples and the sale/movement of livestock; the engagement his Department has had with An Post, laboratories and relevant stakeholders to ensure samples are delivered without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46102/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe BVD programme continues to perform strongly, with high levels of farmer compliance in tag sampling and designated laboratories processing samples promptly on receipt. The number of cases in 2026 is trending substantially lower than 2025.
Where farmers delays have arisen, these have largely related to the postal transit of samples rather than to any failure on the part of farmers or laboratories.
Animal Health Ireland (AHI), which operates the National BVD eradication programme, has been vocal in its concern of occasional failures in the postal service; it has met directly with An Post to outline farmer concerns and has raised the matter regularly at meetings of the BVD Implementation Group.
In addition, AHI has informed my Department that it is proactively engaging with all stakeholders to identify practical solutions that will minimise the impact of postal delays on herdowners and ensure the continued effective operation of the programme.
149. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of greyhound deaths recorded in each of the past five years, broken down by race-day deaths, injuries resulting in euthanasia, and deaths in training or at stud facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46204/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra150. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of welfare inspections carried out by RCÉ in each of the past five years per venue, including follow-up inspections relating to injury or death; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46205/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 150 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.
151. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide details of all felling licence applications, approvals or active licences relating to Curragh Wood, Midleton, County Cork, from 2024 to date in 2026; to include the licence reference number, applicant, date of application, date of decision, area covered, proposed felling type, species composition, replanting plan, licence conditions, expiry date, appeal status and links to all publicly available maps and supporting documents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46232/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra152. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the ecological, hydrological, appropriate assessment or EIA screening that was carried out in respect of proposed felling at Curragh Wood, Midleton, County Cork; the consideration that was given to the river Leamlara, mixed woodland habitat, protected species, recreational use and long-established woodland characteristics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46233/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra153. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department will arrange an inspection or review of any proposed felling operations at Curragh Wood, Midleton, County Cork, before works commence, in view of local concerns about biodiversity, water quality, public amenity and the recreational value of the woodland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46234/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra154. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether alternatives to clear-felling, including selective thinning, continuous-cover forestry, phased felling, retention of mixed/native woodland and enhanced riparian buffers, were assessed in respect of any felling licence at Curragh Wood, Midleton, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46235/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 151, 152, 153 and 154 together.
I propose to take questions 46232/26, 46233/26, 46234/26, and 46235/26 together.
There are several live felling licences relating to Curragh Wood, Midleton, County Cork in the period 2024 to date in 2026. There are currently no licences under appeal for this area. The contract numbers for these licences are as follows:
|
Contract number
|
Applicant |
Application date |
Decision date |
Area (Ha) |
Felling type |
Expiry date |
Appeal status |
|
CK14-FL0101 |
Coillte |
14/12/2018 |
24/1/2019 |
3.81 |
Thinning |
31/12/2028 |
Not under appeal |
|
CK14-FL0109 |
Coillte |
14/12/2018 |
24/01/2019 |
0.93 |
Thinning |
31/12/2028 |
Not under appeal |
|
CK14-FL0200 |
Coillte |
11/10/2023 |
19/04/2024 |
4.94 |
Clearfell |
31/12/2029 |
Not under appeal |
|
CK14-FL0175 |
Coillte |
13/07/2022 |
17/11/2022 |
5 |
Clearfell |
31/12/2030 |
Not under appeal |
Felling licences CK14-FL0101 and CK14-FL0109 were issued prior to the launch of the Departments Felling Licence Viewer (FLV) in January 2021. Relevant documents, including maps, species composition, licence conditions, maps and other documents are therefore provided in the supporting documents. Please note there are no replanting obligations for a thinning felling licence.
Regarding contract numbers CK14-FL0200 and CK14-FL0175, the details for these licence applications and supporting documents are on the FLV. The FLV is available on the Department website at the following link: flv.apps.services.agriculture.gov.ie/
Prior to issuing these licences the Department completed a full environmental assessment of these applications. This included appropriate assessment screening in accordance with S.I.477 of 2011 (as amended) and S.I.191 of 2017 (as amended). Clearfelling and thinning operations do not involve an activity or project that falls within the specified categories of forestry activities or projects subject to the requirements of the EIA Directive.
These felling licences are already subject to a requirement for the applicant to notify the Department as to when operations shall commence on these sites. The Department applies a risk analysis approach to selecting sites for harvesting inspections and given the environmental sensitivities in this area it is likely that one or more of these sites will be inspected.
The Department assesses the felling applications it receives on the basis of how the applicant wants to proceed with regards to the management of their forest property. The Department takes into account the environmental sensitivities of the site and makes a determination based on the application it receives as to whether or not there are any potential adverse effects on the site in relation to the proposed development either on its own or in combination with any other developments in the vicinity. The licence is only granted when these concerns have been fully addressed and there is no risk to the environment. The decision of the Minister is therefore a decision as to whether or not the application submitted should be licensed, not whether an alternative proposal should proceed which may not represent the wishes of the applicant.
155. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 326 of 10 April 2025, the progress made in reviewing forestry setbacks and corridors in relation to the safeguarding of the electrical network and updating forestry related requirements; when the new regulations will be published and implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46351/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra156. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of widespread concerns in some rural communities that replanting of forestry is continuing close to critical infrastructure such as electricity lines which will inevitably cause further problems for the electricity network in the future as evidenced by the widespread damage caused to transmission lines by falling trees particularly in recent years following storms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46348/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra158. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when it is proposed to amend legislation and regulations in relation to forestry, taking into account the widespread concerns of communities regarding power outages which have occurred as a direct result of trees falling on power lines and telecommunication lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46386/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 155, 156 and 158 together.
Under Section 98 of the Electricity (Supply) Act 1927, as amended by Section 45 of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999, the ESB and its representatives, taking due care and attention to avoid unnecessary damage, are empowered to lop or cut any tree, shrub or hedge which obstructs or interferes with electrical wires or to do the same where the tree, shrub or hedge interferes with the erection or laying of any such electrical wires or with the survey of the proposed route of any transmission or distribution lines. Such works are a matter between the ESB and anyone acting on their behalf, and the landowner in question, and do not require a felling licence from my Department.
In July 2025 the Government approved the priority drafting of the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill 2025 which will enhance the resilience of the electricity grid. The purpose of this Bill is to enable proactive measures, such as the establishment and maintenance of designated forestry corridors within existing forestry. The Heads of Bill allows for the creation of Corridors up to a width of 55 metres for distribution lines and up to 74 metres for the transmission lines. The specific arrangements will be provided for in subsequent regulations.
My Department and the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment are continuing to discuss this matter with a view to finding solutions that improve the resilience of the electricity network without unduly hindering the development of sustainable forestry.
157. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 471 of 28 May 2026, if he will provide a further breakdown of the €30 to €40 cost per night of rehoming a greyhound, by staff, facilities and other costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46383/26]
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.
