Written Answers Nos. 35-54
35. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount that has been paid out to date to farmers, fishermen, farm contractors and small businesses under the cost of fuel income support scheme. [40349/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has introduced significant supports as a targeted income support to assist farmers, fishers and agricultural/forestry contractors facing unprecedented increases in fuel costs.
Under this heading, my Department is operating three distinct fuel support schemes:
• Fuel Income Support Scheme (Farmers and Contractors)
• Fuel Support Scheme for Specialist Horticulture
• Fishing and Aquaculture Registered Vessel Fuel Support Scheme
The Fuel Income Support Scheme takes the form of an income support calculated on Marked Gas Oil (MGO) use in the agricultural and forestry sectors. Applicants were required to provide the total litres of MGO used in 2025 solely for agricultural or forestry purposes. This historical information will be used in the calculation of the support payment.
The Fuel Support Scheme for Specialist Horticulture has been introduced to support specialist horticultural growers facing unprecedented increases in fuel costs. The scheme will provide a once off payment to specialist horticulture growers to help mitigate the continued increases in fuel costs and is open to commercial horticulture growers producing tomatoes, cucumbers, mushrooms, strawberries, chillies, herbs and hydroponically grown lettuce in an eligible structure using an eligible fuel. Similar to the Fuel Income Support Scheme, the final payment will be determined once final processing and checks on the received applications are completed.
The Fishing and Aquaculture Registered Vessel Fuel Support Scheme with a maximum fund of some €15m closed for applications on Wednesday 17th June, after an extension from the previous Friday. Payments are anticipated to commence in July. 487 applications have been received and in line with other support schemes from my Department the total payment for each applicant will be calculated once all checks have been completed.
While my Department is currently carrying out final processing of applications, it is anticipated that payments will commence issuing before the end of July.
36. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied). [52272/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe health of privately owned horses is the responsibility of the owner. The State may have a role in the health of privately owned horses if there is a diagnosis of a disease agent which is subject to legislative control, or if there is a clear and significant risk to either the wider horse population, or to human health.
There has been significant engagement by my Department with this long-running issue over several decades.
Over the years, my Department has
• Considered several substantial files of historic laboratory reports presented by the owner and arranged for this evidence to be reviewed by equine veterinary specialists within my Department.
• Carried out a review summarising the clinical experience of private veterinary practitioners who provided care to these horses – this review was carried out by a veterinary research officer who contacted and interviewed as many of the veterinary practices as possible who provided veterinary services to the owner’s horses in recent decades.
• Commissioned and funded an intensive clinical study which was conducted by UCD's Equine Veterinary Hospital under the guidance of an expert panel drawn from my Department's Laboratory Service and the Irish Equine Centre. This included an extensive clinical investigation for an entire grazing season in 2016.
These exhaustive interventions did not identify any particular clinical syndrome affecting the owner’s horses in any way, or any specific pathogen or pathological finding that would explain the concerns raised, in addition, no significant risk to the wider equine population or to public health was identified.
It is not clear what two laboratory findings are referred to by the Deputy, however In 2023, my Department facilitated a review by two European-board certified equine specialists and a European-board certified pathologist into the cases. Commonly encountered minor changes and variations in blood parameters were noted. These were not judged to be clinically significant.
Given the extensive engagement by my Department in relation to this matter and that fact that no disease agent subject to legal control, along with no identified risk to the wider equine population, or to public health there is no further role for my Department in this matter. I recommend that the owner engages closely with their private veterinary practitioner regarding any investigation that they wish to carry out into the health and performance of their horses
37. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date in reviewing forestry setbacks and corridors in relation to the safeguarding of the electricity and energy networks, the timeline for the publication and implementation of new regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52187/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is in regular contact with the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, and other critical stakeholders including Coillte, Forestry Industries Ireland, and farmer representative organisations in relation to forests and electricity infrastructure.
The drafting of the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill 2025 is intended to enhance ESB Networks powers to manage vegetation and forestry around electricity infrastructure and the resilience of the electricity grid. The preparation of this legislation is being undertaken by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, and my Department has inputted into the framework for the draft legislation and continues to engage proactively and constructively with the process.
I understand the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, informed in part by work by ESB Networks as part of its Stakeholder Engagement Strategy & Plan 2026, is at an advanced stage in incorporating feedback from its own stakeholder engagements and that a revised Heads of Bill is due to return to Government in the coming weeks.
38. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the plans to deploy a Bovine TB vaccine as part of the BTB eradication programme following reports that the UK intend to rollout a vaccine programme by 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52032/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current bTB strategy focuses primarily on stricter animal testing, early disease detection and wildlife biosecurity. I launched the ‘Bovine TB Action Plan: Addressing Bovine TB in Ireland’ in September 2025 which includes 5 measures and 30 actions underpinned by scientific research and veterinary expertise
Support herds free of bTB to remain free
Reduce the impact of wildlife on the spread of bTB
Detect and eliminate bTB infection as early as possible in herds with a bTB breakdown and avoid a future breakdown
Help farmers improve all areas of on-farm biosecurity
Reduce the impact of known high-risk animals in spreading bTB
The aim of the Action Plan is to reset the TB programme by putting in place measures necessary to tackle the current disease situation. These measures are targeting both transmission between wildlife and cattle and transmission between cattle.
As we continue to focus on these immediate actions, I am closely monitoring the developments in the UK around the vaccination of bovines. I will continue to monitor the progress of international cattle vaccines and will be guided by research and scientific guidelines.
It should be noted that if the research is successful, a significant number of legal and international trade obstacles remain to be surmounted before a vaccine for tuberculosis in bovine animals can be used as part of our bovine TB eradication programme.
39. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will provide dedicated funding to farmers to implement the Nature Restoration Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52033/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Nature Restoration Law (NRL) entered into force on 18 August 2024. It sets out a framework for EU Member States to restore nature, with binding targets for the restoration of a wide range of ecosystems including forests and agricultural areas, as well as protected habitats and species.
Ireland has until the 1st of September 2026 to submit a draft National Restoration Plan (NRP) to the EU Commission, setting out how we intend to achieve these legally binding targets. This process is being led by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. In early 2027, the EU Commission will submit formal feedback on the draft NRP, and the plan will be revised based on this feedback. In September 2027, the final NRP will be submitted to the EU Commission.
Estimating the costs involved in implementing the Plan is part of the process.
Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan represents the largest investment ever made in environmental action through agricultural policy, supporting farmers to deliver meaningful biodiversity outcomes while continuing to farm sustainably.
I have, however, consistently made the point that the CAP alone cannot fund delivery of the NRP. The Independent Advisory Committee on Ireland's NRP also recognised this, recommending that CAP funding should remain secure and sufficient, while highlighting that additional funding will be required for measures beyond those currently supported. My Department continues to advocate strongly that any additional obligations arising under the NRP must be accompanied by appropriate additional financial resources and cannot be met from existing agricultural funding alone.
My priority remains clear that restoration measures affecting farmers, foresters, fishermen, fisherwomen, aquaculture operators and other landowners must be voluntary, properly incentivised and supported by adequate, sustainable funding, while safeguarding sustainable food production, farm viability and vibrant rural communities.
40. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the implementation of the National Tillage Strategy. [51676/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe tillage sector is an integral part of Irish farming and makes a significant contribution to overall agricultural output. This Government recognises the importance of the sector.
The report of the Food Vision Tillage Group sets out the roadmap for the sustainable growth and development of the tillage sector. Implementation of the recommendations is ongoing, with progress reviewed regularly by the Food Vision Tillage Group. The Group most recently met on 28 May, when my Department, Bord Bia and industry stakeholders provided updates on progress.
There has been considerable work done aimed at achieving greater recognition of the sustainability of Irish grain, such as the development of a tillage module for AgNav to allow growers the opportunity to showcase the low-carbon footprint of Irish grain and the ongoing work in developing a Pilot Sustainability Assurance Scheme for tillage aligned with Origin Green. Together these initiatives will allow growers to provide tangible sustainability outputs that demonstrate the low-carbon credentials of Irish grain, strengthening market differentiation and supporting access to premium markets.
There has been work done to secure new and expanded added-value opportunities for Irish grain through investment in pilot-scale production facilities such as the National Centre for Brewing and Distilling at Oak Park which opened in May 2025, and the announcement of a scheme in January 2026 administered by Enterprise Ireland supporting the establishment of new flour mill projects in Ireland.
My Department will continue to work closely with stakeholders to advance implementation of the report's recommendations, recognising that their successful delivery requires ongoing collaboration and commitment from many stakeholders across the sector.
In further recognition of the sector’s importance, my Department is providing €50 million in support to the tillage sector in 2026 through the Protein Aid Scheme, the Straw Incorporation Measure and the National Tillage Sustainability Support Scheme.
More recently, in response to the exceptional pressure arising from the sudden increase in the cost of Marked Gas Oil (MGO), my Department opened the Fuel Income Support Scheme to provide support for farmers and agricultural contractors.
The Farming for Water EIP has a budget of €60 million to support targeted on-farm additional measures to improve water quality, including establishment of cover crops. The tillage sector is also being supported under other schemes, including the Tillage Capital Investment Scheme, ACRES and the Organic Farming Scheme.
My Department remains committed to working closely with the tillage sector in implementing the actions of the Food Vision Tillage Group report with a view to ensuring the sectors long term sustainability and increasing the tillage area in the years ahead.
41. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which he is supporting the sheep wool sector. [51852/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has supported the Irish wool sector in a number of ways including commissioning an in-depth study of the Irish wool market called Review Of Market Opportunities For Irish-Grown Wool Based Products, which was published in 2022.
That study led to the establishment of the Irish Grown Wool Council in 2023, which my Department supported with €30,000 in seed funding.
In addition, my Department has provided research funding of €574,683 for the SPRINGWOOL project. This project which is led by the Munster Technological University focuses on removing obstacles to the sale of Irish wool and will provide a springboard for innovation in the sector. The project involves different strands of research to develop Irish wool as a valuable, sustainable product.
I also understand that the Environmental Protection Agency has allocated further research funding of €657,403 to University College Cork for their Regenerative Value Systems for Irish Grown Wool in Ireland project.
My Department has also subsidised sheep shearing under the 2025 National Sheep Welfare Scheme, which was worth €22 million to farmers last year.
I am very optimistic that the results of the two wool research projects and the continued work of the Irish Grown Wool Council will contribute greatly to the development of different methodology and alternative uses for Irish Wool.
42. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide evidence for a claim made in the Dáil by the Minister for State with special responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety, and Horticulture that hare coursing is worth €70 million to the Irish economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52197/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCoursing is regulated under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958, chiefly by the Irish Coursing Club (ICC), subject to the general control and direction of Rásaíocht Con Éireann; hare coursing is managed and regulated by the Irish Coursing Club. The organisation consists of 89 affiliated clubs from Ireland and Northern Ireland, all of whom are governed by the ICC’s rules and regulations.
No funding is provided to the Irish Coursing Club by Government.
The ICC has provided my Department with an independent report that it commissioned in 2022 by Jim Power Economics entitled The Economic and Financial Contribution of the Coursing Sector. The report estimated that the coursing sector contributes approximately €70.7 million annually to the Irish economy, the majority of which directly benefits rural communities.
43. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action his Department is taking to stop the further decline of horticulturalists in Ireland; the additional supports he is considering to incentivise growth in this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52308/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027 sets down a clear vision to grow a more profitable, value-added sector, driven by innovation and sustainability and provides a road map for the sector to achieve this potential. The strategy outlines eight key strategic actions to drive change and growth across all sub-sectors of horticulture including attracting new horticulturalists to the sector.
The Government provides significant supports to deliver on the implementation of this Strategy for the sector, through a range of supports and initiatives underpinning its resilience, competitiveness and long-term sustainability.
The Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector provides grant aid to horticulturalists towards capital investments in specialised plant and equipment, as well as technology adoption specific to commercial horticulture production. The Scheme covers all horticultural areas including field vegetables (including seed potatoes), mushrooms, protected food crops, amenity crops, soft fruit, and top fruit, and beekeeping.
The Scheme of Investment Aid for Innovation and Diversification in Horticulture (Feasibility/Desk Studies) and the Scheme of Investment Aid for Innovation and Diversification in Horticulture (Capital Investments) are designed to assist horticulturalists in increasing innovation and diversification activities in the horticulture sector.
Horticulturalists are also eligible for supports under the CAP Strategic Plan such as Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS), Basic Income Support for Sustainability Scheme (BISS), Agri Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) and the Organic Farming Scheme. Growers can avail of significant financial supports across a range of measures including on farm investments supporting environmental and climate action and research and innovation, under the EU funded Producer Organisation Scheme for Fruit and Vegetables.
Recognising that the future success of this sector depends on developing a strong skills and talent pipeline, a Horticulture Education Review report was published in 2025 under Key Strategic Action 4 of the National Strategy. A key recommendation of the Review was the establishment of a Horticulture Education Leadership Group (HELG), which took place earlier this year with the appointment of Dr Owen Doyle as Chair for a four-year term.
I’m confident that the HELG’s activities in horticulture education reform, curriculum modernisation, career promotion and industry collaboration will play a key role in encouraging generational renewal and help strengthen the future pipeline of skills and talent to support the future development of Ireland’s Horticulture sector.
The Government is committed to seeing this sector, grow and flourish in the years ahead and my Department is working collaboratively with stakeholders to progress all key strategic actions in the National Strategy for Horticulture.
44. Deputy Natasha Newsome Drennan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the tonnage of Brazilian beef imported to Ireland since May 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52218/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe latest Central Statistics Office (CSO) trade data available covers the period from January to April 2026. During this period, 372 tonnes of beef were imported from Brazil. It should be noted that this data is provisional and subject to ongoing revision by the CSO.
The next edition of CSO trade statistics are scheduled for publication on 15 July 2026. This edition will cover the period from January to May 2026.
Further information on Agri-food sector trade can be found in chapter six of the Annual Review and Outlook for Agriculture, Food and Marine 2024 - 2025, my Department’s flagship economic publication, which is available online (atwww.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/publications/annual-review-and-outlook-for-agriculture-food-and-the-marine-2024/)
45. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total funding available for ACRES non-productive investments in 2026; whether it will be sufficient to meet all eligible applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52132/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme, or ACRES, is the current agri-climate environment measure provided under the 2023-2027 CAP Strategic Plan (CSP). There are two approaches within ACRES namely ACRES General and ACRES Co-Operation.
Non-Productive Investments (NPIs) are actions that are available to participants in the Co-operation approach of ACRES to directly address environmental issues on the farm, thereby increasing the farmer's capacity to improve field scores through appropriate management, as well as to contribute to wider environmental objectives.
A specific NPI application window opens each year, at which time applications in the form of Annual Work Plans (AWPs), are prepared and submitted by ACRES advisors on behalf of their clients. All submitted AWPs are then screened by the local Co-Operation Project teams. Once applications have been screened, approval letters issue. If the participant carries out an NPI, they may then submit a claim for payment.
For 2026 €10.5 million has been allocated for NPI payments and I expect this full allocation to be used in 2026 subject to the submission of complete payment claims. The claims system is currently available for claims in respect based on 2024 AWPs, with the 2025 AWP claims system to open later this month.
As the Deputy may be aware the application window for NPIs proposed in 2026 AWPs opened on 1 July, as detailed in ACRES Circular No. 13 of 2026. An updated specification is also available on my Department’s website.
46. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the recently published report ‘A Living Land’ in relation to solar renewable energies; his views on solar farms and land use on agricultural farms; if his Department has considered the report when speaking to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage about the upcoming solar planning guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52304/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra"A Living Land", is not an articulation of government policy or a new strategy. It describes current land use patterns and the various demands on land in delivering on our national environment commitments, with a view to supporting policymakers and landholders in complex decision making regarding competing demands for future land-use, in the context of achieving Ireland’s agricultural, socio-economic, climate and environmental objectives.
It is important to note that a key finding of “A Living Land”, is that public land should lead by example. This is underpinned by the Programme for Government commitments around renewable energy and evidenced by Bord na Mona and Coillte in their mission to deliver sustainable energy systems.
The Government has committed to introduce planning guidelines for solar farms and provide certainty in the development of solar energy in agriculture. While issues regarding planning fall under the remit of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, my Department will input into the development of these guidelines due to the potential impact on agricultural land. It is important to state that the rights of farmers and other landowners are, of course, subject to the usual Constitutional protections.
As Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine, I am committed to driving sustainable agriculture practices that underpin Ireland’s food sector and contribute more broadly to food security.
Equally so, it is important to provide farmers with opportunities to maximise the income from their holdings, maintain viable holdings and protect our family farm tradition. My Department provides a wide range of supports for a variety of farming activities and sectors, such as support for the production of indigenous renewable energy. This is primarily through the Solar Capital Investment Scheme (SCIS) under TAMS and the installation of mainly roof-top Solar PV technology along with battery storage on Irish farms across the country.
In order to meet our climate targets, the promotion of renewable energy will be a critical deliverable and while renewable energy in the agriculture sector can offer diversification opportunities for farmers, I want to ensure that these developments do not negatively impact on Ireland’s food production.
My Department will continue to engage on this important matter.
47. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on progress towards the Food Vision 2030 target of increasing the national tillage area to 400,000 hectares by 2030; if Ireland is on track to reach its targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49544/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra69. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress made in implementing the twenty-eight recommendations of the Food Vision Tillage Group Report; the actions completed to date; the timeline for implementing the remaining recommendations to support the expansion of the tillage sector towards the Climate Action Plan target of 400,000 hectares by 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52201/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 69 together.
The report of the Food Vision Tillage Group sets out the roadmap for the sustainable growth and development of the tillage sector. Implementation of the recommendations is ongoing, with progress reviewed regularly by the Food Vision Tillage Group. The Group most recently met on 28 May, when officials from my Department, Bord Bia and other industry stakeholders provided updates on progress.
Data from the 2026 Basic Income Support for Sustainability Scheme (BISS) indicates the area under tillage crops (cereals, maize, OSR, protein crops and beet) at 331,223ha, representing a decrease of approximately 2% compared with 2025. Despite this decline, the overall tillage area has remained broadly stable in recent years, increasing by almost 18,000ha, or approximately 5.7%, since 2020.
Considerable work has been done to achieve greater recognition of the sustainability of Irish grain, including the development of a tillage module for AgNav to allow growers to showcase the low-carbon footprint of Irish grain and ongoing work to develop a Pilot Sustainability Assurance Scheme for tillage aligned with Origin Green. Together, these initiatives will enable growers to provide tangible sustainability outputs that demonstrate the low-carbon credentials of Irish grain, strengthening market differentiation and supporting access to premium markets.
Work has also progressed to secure new and expanded value-added opportunities for Irish grain through investment in pilot-scale production facilities, including the National Centre for Brewing and Distilling at Oak Park, which opened in May 2025, and the announcement in January 2026 of an Enterprise Ireland scheme to support the establishment of new flour milling projects in Ireland.
In addition to work undertaken to develop new value-added opportunities, substantial work has also been undertaken across a range of other key themes identified in the Food Vision Tillage Group report, including the availability of and access to land, competitiveness and efficiency, environmental sustainability, and investment in research.
My Department will continue to work closely with stakeholders to advance implementation of the report's recommendations, recognising that their successful delivery requires ongoing collaboration and commitment from many stakeholders across the sector.
In further recognition of the sector’s importance, my Department is providing €50 million in support to the tillage sector in 2026 through the Protein Aid Scheme, the Straw Incorporation Measure and the National Tillage Sustainability Support Scheme.
More recently, in response to the exceptional pressure arising from the sudden increase in the cost of Marked Gas Oil (MGO), the Government allocated €100 million to provide meaningful income support for farmers, contractors and fishers.
The Farming for Water EIP has a budget of €60 million to support targeted on-farm additional measures to improve water quality, including establishment of cover crops. The tillage sector is also being supported under other schemes, including the Tillage Capital Investment Scheme, ACRES and the Organic Farming Scheme.
My Department remains committed to working closely with the tillage sector in implementing the actions of the Food Vision Tillage Group report, with a view to ensuring the sector's long-term sustainability and creating the conditions to support an increase in the area under tillage in the years ahead.
48. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications received for the fuel income support scheme; if his Department will allow further entries to the scheme; the timeframe for when the applicants will be paid from the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52303/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has introduced the Fuel Income Support Scheme as a targeted income support to assist farmers and agricultural/forestry contractors facing unprecedented increases in fuel costs.
Separate schemes have been put in place to support fishers and specialist horticultural growers.
In total €100 million funding has been made available to support these agri-food and marine sectors.
As of the closing date of June 2nd, 32,417 farmer applications have been received while more than 3,000 paper-based applications were received from farm contractors. As the scheme closing date has passed no further applications can be made at this point.
While final processing is still on-going, it is anticipated that payments will commence issuing in the coming weeks.
49. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for a full review of the operation of the ranking and selection process under the solar capital investment scheme within TAMS 3 to ensure they align with Ireland’s climate and energy targets; the steps he will take to improve access to funding for on-farm solar investments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52091/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) provides grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings. The Solar Capital Investment scheme (SCIS) is one of these measures which provides support to farmers to invest in the transition to renewable energy.
SCIS has proved to be extremely popular, with payments of over €35 million already issued to farmers since payments commenced in June 2024. To date, 6,868 applications have been received, with 3,606 approvals issued, allowing those farmers to proceed with their investments. Approvals are continuing to issue on eligible applications once checks have been completed.
Given the unprecedented demand for the individual schemes within TAMS 3, in recent tranches it has been necessary to apply a percentage selection level via the Ranking and Selection system, to ensure the budget allocated to TAMS 3 is observed.
In the circumstances of having to apply RASS percentage selection in recent tranches and to acknowledge the importance of nutrient storage investments and farm safety measures, I took the decision to prioritise these measures over other schemes.
I am satisfied that the current scoring system is the best mechanism for ensuring that funding is targeted at the most appropriate enterprises while managing the allocated TAMS budget. I will also ensure that the system continues to be reviewed on a regular basis.
50. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason he is not introducing a cap on the number of breeding dogs a dog breeding establishment can have on site in his review of the Dog Welfare (Amendment) Bill 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52306/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra57. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is considering a cap on the number of breeding females a dog breeder can keep to limit puppy farming and to ensure legislative alignment with the North; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52288/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 57 together.
In order to bring a coherent approach to dog control, policy and legislative responsibility under both the Control of Dogs Act 1986 and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 transferred to my Department last year. In both cases, Local Authorities retain responsibility for all operational and enforcement matters.
In relation to dog breeding establishments, I am pleased to confirm that the Dog Breeding Establishments (Amendment) Bill 2026 is being actively progressed. The Bill currently has seventeen Heads and addresses three broad areas: welfare and breeding standards, sales and record-keeping, and administration and enforcement.
Regarding the question of a cap on the number of breeding females, I have not included a hard legislative cap on the total number of breeding females at a dog breeding establishment in the present draft Heads of Bill. Legal advice indicates that there are difficulties with such an approach. There are also practical issues that would have to be explored further. My Department is considering it further.
The Bill addresses concerns about excessive numbers through other means. For the first time, breeding establishments will be legally required to employ a minimum of one full-time staff member for every 20 breeding dogs on the premises, ensuring animals receive proper daily care and attention.
A strengthened improvement notice regime will explicitly empower authorised persons to require a reduction in the number of dogs on premises where welfare concerns arise.
Local authorities will retain the ability to set conditions on the number of breeding females at an establishment as part of the registration process, and this avenue remains open.
51. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline the circumstances under which farmers can burn vegetation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51671/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Section 40 of the Wildlife Act, 1976, as amended by the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, growing vegetation cannot be burnt between 1 March and 31 August of any given year (the closed period), on any land not yet cultivated.
Where land has been burned between 1 March and 31 August, it is not in a state suitable for grazing or cultivation and therefore is not eligible for scheme payment purposes for the remainder of the year.
Farmers and other landowners must be aware of further legal constraints when planning a controlled burning operation in the open period:
• Under Section 39 of the Wildlife Act, 1976 (as amended), it is prohibited to burn any vegetation within one mile of a wood, without prior notification to the Gardaí and the owner of the wood.
• Under Section 74 of the Wildlife Act, 1976, (as amended), a person guilty of an offence shall be liable to a fine not exceeding £50,000 (€63,490) or a prison term not exceeding 2 years, or both a fine and a prison term.
Further advice, including a Prescribed Burning Code of Practice, is available on my Department’s website at: www.gov.ie/prescribedburning/
52. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding available for wool washing facilities. [51853/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Environmental Protection Agency has granted €657,403 in funding to a project called Regenerative Value Systems for Irish Grown Wool, which will examine viable scouring solutions in the Irish wool sector. Wool washing or scouring is a key step in wool processing as it removes grease and dirt and prepares wool for spinning and dyeing. There are a number of factors that have to be considered in relation to scouring of wool, in particular the potential environmental and public health impacts. These impacts include the large amount of water required, the water pollution, chemical hazards and airborne bacteria. Another consideration is the scale and economic viability of such a plant.
The project team will investigate innovative and scalable methods for scouring Irish wool. Bio-refining, ultrasound and enzyme use will be assessed to improve results and produce better fibres. Another key goal is to cut wastewater and energy needs. The project is set to run until 2028.
The outcomes of the research will inform Government of the potential next steps in relation to scouring of wool.
53. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of State funding provided to hare coursing; if his Department has estimates on the revenue generated by hare coursing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52312/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCoursing is regulated under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958, chiefly by the Irish Coursing Club (ICC), subject to the general control and direction of Rásaíocht Con Éireann. Hare coursing is managed and regulated by the Irish Coursing Club. The organisation consists of 89 affiliated clubs from Ireland and Northern Ireland, all of whom are governed by the ICC’s rules and regulations.
No funding is provided to the Irish Coursing Club by Government.
The ICC has provided my Department with an independent report that it commissioned in 2022 by Jim Power Economics entitled The Economic and Financial Contribution of the Coursing Sector. The report estimated that the coursing sector contributes approximately €70.7 million annually to the Irish economy.
54. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his response to the provisional application of the Mercosur trade agreement, and its impact upon Irish farmers. [52280/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI note the provisional application of the EU-Mercosur Interim Trade Agreement, which has taken effect since 1st May 2026.
The Government has highlighted Ireland’s concerns in relation to the EU-Mercosur Agreement over a number of years, particularly in relation to its potential impact on the beef sector, the strength of its climate and sustainability commitments, and the production standards enforced by Mercosur countries.
Our focus now is in ensuring rigorous monitoring by the Commission of the Agreement’s market impacts, as well as the robust enforcement, where necessary, by the Commission of the provisions of the safeguards regulation.
We will also continue to engage closely with the Commission to ensure that it follows through on its additional commitments in relation to food safety and environmental standards, as well as its stated intention to better align the production standards of imported products with EU production standards – particularly with regard to pesticides and animal welfare.
The recent decision by EU Member States to exclude Brazil from the list of countries that have demonstrated compliance with EU restrictions on the use of antimicrobials in animals, thus prohibiting Brazilian exports to the EU of commodities such as beef, poultry and eggs from 3rd September, is a clear example of the importance of maintaining the EU’s strict standards, and of how the EU’s SPS standards remain non-negotiable.
