Written Answers Nos. 2601-2620
2601. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department and the Government support additional TAMS funding in the upcoming budget in order to increase capacity for slurry storage, due to high levels of rainfall during winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57265/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) which is a key element of the current CAP Strategic Plan provides grants to farmers to invest in their farm businesses through building and/or improving a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings.
TAMS 3 has proved to be extremely popular, with payments of over €178 million issued to farmers since payments commenced in June 2024. Given that we are now well over halfway through the current CAP Strategic Plan (CSP), it is prudent that we are mindful of the budget available for the remaining TAMS tranches. Therefore, in order to ensure that the defined budget is distributed fairly over the remainder of the CSP, it has been necessary to limit the number of approved applications in recent tranches by applying ranking and selection criteria. This will be kept under ongoing review for the remainder of the CSP.
Specifically for nutrient storage investments have prioritised this measure in TAMS 3, in January 2025, I introduced an enhanced 60% grant rate and a dedicated ring-fenced ceiling for Nutrient Storage investments under TAMS 3. Since then, I have also introduced amendments to the ranking and selection criteria, whereby applications submitted in respect of nutrient storage investments are prioritised.
Funding for TAMS investments will form part of the overall budgetary process, however I am satisfied that the changes I have recently introduced prioritising nutrient storage measures will ensure there is a increased support for these measures on Irish farms with a continued positive impact on water quality.
2602. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department have plans to increase investments towards developing suitable markets for the projected increase in organic produce coming into the market in the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57266/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to targeted investment under the CSP, the number of farms in organic production in Ireland has increased almost threefold over 5 years, to almost 5,600.
The National Organic Strategy 2024-2030 sets a number of key priorities for the development of the wider sector including capital supports for processing, supply chain developments, to retain food in the organic food chain, research, training and market development.
In 2025 I announced the awarding of €3 Million in funding over 3 years to ten projects for the development of the organic sector under the National Organic Strategy. These projects cover a range of strategic areas including research via Teagasc, training, via The Organic Academy, Marketing via Bord Bia's More-ganic Campaign, along with several sectoral projects to develop and coordinate Short Food Supply Chains in organic livestock, organic horticulture and organic dairy. Bórd Bia, supported by Ireland and the EU Commission, is delivering a three year €2.7 million EU Organic Beef & Lamb B2B Campaign to grow the export market, where demand continues to grow. My Department meets regularly with the Organic Forum to review progress on the strategy and action plan.
A number of organic farming events will take place in Ireland during our Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
My Department is also leading the negotiation process between the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union, and the European Commission on the targeted legislative amendments to the EU Organic Regulations on Production and Labelling, which are essential to provide certainty for trade in organic products with 3rd country markets.
2603. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to increase combined supports in the suckler scheme to move towards €300 per cow in the upcoming budget.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57267/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn advance of the Budget 2027 negotiations, I will engage extensively with agri-food stakeholders. All pre-Budget submissions are taken into consideration in developing proposals for the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation on expenditure.
It would not be appropriate to comment in advance of the 2027 Budget on any matters that might be the subject of Budget 2027 decisions.
2604. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will increase funding in 2026 for the tillage expansion and sustainability scheme in order to underpin viability and expansion of the sector.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57268/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government recognises the importance of the tillage sector, the challenges it currently faces, and the need to support its sustainable development.
My Department is providing at least €50 million in support to the tillage sector in 2026 through the Protein Aid Scheme, the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) and the National Tillage Sustainability Support Scheme.
This includes €30 million in new funding secured in Budget 2026 for the National Tillage Sustainability Support Scheme, with payments under the Scheme issued in March.
More recently, in response to the exceptional pressure arising from the sudden increase in the cost of Marked Gas Oil (MGO), the Government allocated additional finance to provide meaningful income support for farmers, contractors and fishers.
Again this year, I have committed to accepting all applicants into the Straw Incorporation Measure to give tillage farmers a further economic boost. There is however flexibility for farmers to withdraw from the scheme in certain circumstances, for example where straw is required for livestock, to safeguard supply across all sectors.
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.
I will continue to work with the tillage sector and provide targeted support in line with budgetary allocations given the importance of the sector within the wider agricultural industry. In advance of Budget 2027, I will be engaging with agri-food stakeholders, and all pre-Budget submissions will be taken into consideration in developing proposals for the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation on expenditure.
2605. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to introduce a scheme in budget 2027 to support and encourage the transition of the managerial role to young farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57414/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra2607. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to remove the three-year requirement for succession farm partnerships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57416/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2605 and 2607 together.
In October 2024, an independent Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming was established. Farm succession is a complex issue and there are many factors that impact farmers’ decisions. The Commission adopted an objective, evidence-based approach to examining all the factors involved and engaged closely with stakeholders. In September 2025 I announced publication of their report.
The Commission produced a thorough analysis and made 31 recommendations across a wide range of areas. An implementation group in my Department has considered the recommendations and progress is being monitored on an ongoing basis. Some of the recommendations are being commenced in the short term, but some will be more medium term:
Some recommendations in relation to taxation have already been implemented and more are being examined in the context of the next Budget.
The current CAP is fully programmed. Recommendations around CAP supports will have to be considered in the context of the next round, post 2027. The new CAP proposals include national strategies on generational renewal and our Commission’s report ensures we have a comprehensive, well-considered foundation for future policy.
I am consulting with my colleague the Minister for Social Protection in relation to the recommendations around pensions.
Discussions with Teagasc are ongoing regarding education & training and advisory services recommendations.
The gender balance recommendation is being progressed through my Department’s Women in Agriculture initiatives.
In relation to access to finance, a second tranche of funding under the SBCI’s Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme is being considered.
This issue is a key priority for me and the Government, and I have been actively engaged in the complex issues involved and considering solutions. It is useful to note that the Report of the Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming estimated that total financial support to generational renewal in Ireland was some €428.6m in 2024.
2606. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason there is no single co-ordination plan to deal with the ageing farming population; when he will address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57415/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFarm succession is a key priority for the Government to ensure the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of Irish agriculture. A range of supports are in place to encourage timely succession, facilitate generational renewal and assist young farmers in establishing viable farm businesses. Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 provides substantial resources to achieving generational renewal. These supports are complemented by a suite of national taxation measures and support for access to finance, to ensure a coherent approach to this issue. In addition, education, training and advisory services are provided by Teagasc.
Farm succession is a complex issue and there are many factors that impact farmers’ decisions. That is why a Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming was established to consider whether existing supports are having the desired effect, and how supports might best be configured for the future. The Commission produced a thorough analysis and made 31 recommendations across a wide range of areas including CAP Supports; Pensions; Taxation; Access to Finance; Access to Land; Collaborative Arrangements; Advisory Services; Education and Training; Gender Balance; and the Overall Attractiveness of the Sector. An implementation group in my Department has considered the recommendations and progress is being monitored on an ongoing basis. This work will ensure that Ireland has a well-researched basis to make optimal use of the policy tools available to encourage young people, who are the lifeblood of farming, into the sector.
The EU Vision for Agriculture and Food identified generational renewal as a priority, and this has been reflected in the proposals for a post 2027 Common Agricultural Policy. The European Commission has also presented its ‘Strategy for Generational Renewal in Agriculture'. The increased focus on generational renewal at EU level is welcome and the EU strategy comes to many of the same conclusions as our own Commission. The new CAP proposals include national strategies on generational renewal and our Commission’s report ensures we have a comprehensive, well-considered foundation for future policy.
2608. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to prioritise access for young farmers to environmental and CAP scheme grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57417/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSupporting young farmers and promoting generational renewal are key priorities for my Department. Generational renewal is one of the nine specific objectives of Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan 2023–2027, with a range of targeted supports available, including the Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers (CIS-YF), the National Reserve Scheme and the Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme (YFCIS) under TAMS, which provides a 60% grant rate for qualified young farmers. In addition to these specific schemes targeted towards young farmers, eligible young farmers also have access to the broad range of CAP schemes in the same way as all farmers as might suit their enterprise.
Introduced in 2023, TAMS 3 supports farm capital investment across a broad range of investment items and contributes to generational renewal while also delivering climate, environmental and animal welfare benefits.
The Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming has made 31 recommendations, and an implementation group within my Department is progressing these recommendations, including those relating to CAP supports. While access to schemes is governed by the eligibility criteria and terms and conditions of each scheme, I remain committed to ensuring young farmers continue to be strongly supported.
2609. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if progress has been made in sourcing a market for sheep wool; his views on this matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57418/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIrish sheep are bred primarily for meat and produce coarse wool. In the short term to assist farmers get a better price for wool, my Department introduced a sheep shearing action under the National Sheep Welfare Scheme. Feedback from the Irish Wool merchants indicates that the quality of the wool produced as a result of this action has led directly to some improvements in wool prices.
The Review of Market Opportunities for Irish Grown Wool Based Products, which was published by my Department in 2022, set out a roadmap for the wool sector. The review's main recommendation was the establishment of a wool council. The Irish Grown Wool Council was established in 2023 with the goal of promoting Irish wool, adding value to the product and improve returns for farmers.
To support the work of the Irish Grown Wool Council, my Department allocated €574,683 to the SPRINGWOOL project. Led by Munster Technological University, the project is exploring several options for wool, including the treatment of wastewater from scouring wool, using waste wool to create compost and exploiting wool in industries such as cosmetics, medical devices and healthcare.
A second research project funded by the Environment Protection Agency is examining the economics of wool production within the circular bioeconomy. Its objectives are to develop business models for both scalable scouring and local scouring across the island of Ireland.
The results of these research projects will inform Government policy on potential next steps for the Irish wool sector.
2610. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to establish an emergency hardship fund, including funding for a fodder and tillage support scheme when required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57419/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government recognises the importance of the tillage sector, the challenges it currently faces, and the need to support its sustainable development.
My Department is providing at least €50 million in support to the tillage sector in 2026 through the Protein Aid Scheme, the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) and the National Tillage Sustainability Support Scheme.
This includes €30 million in new funding secured in Budget 2026 for the National Tillage Sustainability Support Scheme, with payments under the Scheme issued in March.
More recently, in response to the exceptional pressure arising from the sudden increase in the cost of Marked Gas Oil (MGO), the Government allocated additional finance to provide meaningful income support for farmers, contractors and fishers.
Again this year, I have committed to accepting all applicants into the Straw Incorporation Measure to give tillage farmers a further economic boost. There is however flexibility for farmers to withdraw from the scheme in certain circumstances, for example where straw is required for livestock, to safeguard supply across all sectors.
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.
I will continue to work with the tillage sector and provide targeted support in line with budgetary allocations given the importance of the sector within the wider agricultural industry. In advance of Budget 2027, I will be engaging with agri-food stakeholders, and all pre-Budget submissions will be taken into consideration in developing proposals for the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation on expenditure.
I am conscious of the impact that the current dry spell is having on grass growth across the country. While grass growth rates have declined due to reduced soil moisture availability and limited rainfall, grass growth was well ahead of the five-year average prior to the current dry spell which allowed farmers to build up fodder stocks for the winter months ahead.
Teagasc will commence its annual fodder survey in August . The survey will assess fodder stocks ahead of the winter and will provide farmers and the wider industry with an overview of the national and regional fodder situation.
I want to assure the Deputy that my Department will be keeping the national fodder situation under review.
2611. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to top up the sheep welfare scheme by €1.50 per ewe to bring the total payment back up to €13.00 per ewe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57420/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn Budget 2026, I secured an allocation of €131m for the livestock sector, which will ensure the continuation of existing dedicated supports, including those worth €42m to sheep farmers in 2026.
Those supports consist of €20m for the multi-annual CSP Sheep Improvement Scheme (SIS) and €22m for the annual National Sheep Welfare Scheme (NSWS).
The 2026 National Sheep Welfare Scheme, which is currently operational, largely contains the same practical straightforward actions that were popular last year with one timely modification. Bluetongue vaccination is now included as an eligible action in the NSWS.
The popularity of the NSWS last year underlines the straightforward, practical and beneficial measures put in place. Adjustments to payment rates are provided for in scheme rules to ensure that total expenditure remains within allocated budgets in the event of oversubscription.
It is only when all applications are received, options selected and actions carried out that the budgetary position will be clear.
The maintenance of these dedicated schemes demonstrates my commitment to providing meaningful supports aimed at promoting a viable, resilient and sustainable sheep sector.
2612. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he intends to appoint a dedicated Animal Welfare Inspector for County Mayo; whether he is satisfied that there are sufficient animal welfare inspection and enforcement resources available in the county to investigate reports of animal cruelty and neglect; the plans in place to ensure adequate inspection and enforcement of animal welfare standards at agricultural shows and other public events involving animals in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57470/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra2613. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding arrangements that apply to the appointment of a dedicated Animal Welfare Inspector in County Mayo; whether funding has been allocated or identified for such a post; whether additional Exchequer resources will be required to support inspections and enforcement actions in relation to animal cruelty cases and animal welfare standards at agricultural shows and other events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57471/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra2614. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding allocated for animal welfare inspection and enforcement services includes provision for inspections of agricultural shows and other events involving animals in County Mayo; whether a dedicated Animal Welfare Inspector, if appointed, will have responsibility for monitoring compliance with animal welfare legislation at such events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57472/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2612 to 2614, inclusive, together.
The Programme for Government places a positive emphasis on animal welfare and specifically commits to the continued robust enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, which provides a modern framework for regulating and applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare.
My Department has lead policy responsibility within government for animal welfare and takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously. I am committed to the policy that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner.
My Department and authorised officers appointed under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, including An Garda Síochána, Customs agents, local authorities and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA), undertake appropriate enforcement action, where breaches or shortcomings are identified. Many of my Department’s authorised officers are based in my Department's network of Regional Veterinary Offices throughout the country. My Department keeps the Act under review in light of key developments in the areas of animal welfare, the law and having regard to the practical lessons learnt from operating the Act.
In December 2025, my Department provided funding of almost €6.5 million to 94 animal welfare charities throughout the country, under the Animal Welfare Grants programme. These awards also support the provision of education and knowledge sharing to the public on animal welfare and responsible pet ownership, helping to raise animal welfare standards.
My Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation. The dedicated email address and helpline in place for reporting suspected cases of animal welfare are:
Helpline Phone No: 01 607 2379.
Email address - animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie.
2615. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will access the Brexit adjustment reserve fund due to the decline in the volume of beef exports to the UK as a result of a trade deal between the UK and Australia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57558/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) was established by the European Union in 2021 to assist Member States in managing the adverse impacts of the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU.
The reference period for expenditure to be eligible for BAR-funding was 2020-2023. There are no additional rounds of funding from this Reserve.
The BAR regulation provided that each Member State must submit to the Commission an application for a financial contribution from the Reserve in which the Member States, inter alia, document their expenditure stemming from measures carried out with BAR support. Against this background, the Commission will only then assess and determine eligibility of BAR funds.
Ireland made its submission for funding from the Reserve in September 2024 as required by the BAR regulation. The claim package included expenditure of €363m related to my Department.
2616. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will establish an independent investigation into the enforcement operation that saw a large number of cattle euthanised, with a view to determining whether departmental procedures were followed; whether every reasonable option was considered before the decision was made to destroy the animals; whether the operation was conducted in an appropriate and proportionate manner; if shortcomings or mistakes were identified, if he will ensure that they are acknowledged and addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57791/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe enforcement operation referenced forms part of an ongoing investigation by my Department, thus it would not be appropriate to establish an independent investigation.
The Deputy will appreciate that I cannot speak to the specifics of any individual case, however I can provide clarifications on the Department's position in more general terms regarding animal welfare.
Every herd owner has legal obligations and responsibilities to ensure that the health and welfare of the animals they own or control is safeguarded.
Where welfare issues arise, my Department’s approach is to proactively engage with herd owners to:
Firstly, try and resolve non-compliance matters in a voluntary manner;
or failing that, through the issuing of legal notices or formal direction.
The removal of animals from a farm is only undertaken as a last resort to protect animal health and welfare.
When necessary, these incidents are managed by my Department with full regard to animal welfare and in line with governing legislation.
In most such instances, the animals can be safely loaded onsite and removed, however, there can be instances where this is not possible. In such cases, a veterinary assessment is carried out to determine each individual animal’s fitness to transport.
Animals which are severely welfare comprised and deemed to be unfit for transport are humanely euthanised on-site in line with the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
All such operations are carefully planned and risk assessed on a case specific basis by my Department. These operations are carried out in accordance with established Department processes and where appropriate with the support and assistance of An Garda Síochána.
These processes are subject to ongoing review and evolve based on operational experience.
In conclusion I can assure the Deputy that my Department is committed to the policy that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner.
2617. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount allocated in relation to farm safety in the years 2020 to date, by year. [57938/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe safety, health and wellbeing of our farmers is a priority for this Government. The Programme for Government commits to continue to prioritise improvements in farm safety, health and wellbeing through strengthened supports, with a specific focus on farmer mental health and wellbeing.
Utilising dedicated funding, my colleague, Minister of State with responsibility for Farm Safety, Niall Collins T.D. and I are prioritising efforts to support the safety, health and wellbeing of farmers, and everyone working and living on farms.
The following table sets out the funding allocated for farm safety, health and wellbeing initiatives for the years 2020 to 2026:
|
Year |
Funding Allocated €million |
|
2020 |
0 |
|
2021 |
0 |
|
2022 |
€2.25 |
|
2023 |
€2.5 |
|
2024 |
€2.5 |
|
2025 |
€2.5 |
|
2026 |
€3.0 |
In addition, the TAMS3 Farm Safety Capital Investment Scheme continues to provide grant aid for a wide range of farm safety related investments, with over €13.5 million in payments issued to farmers in the period 2024 to 2026.
2618. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount contributed to the TB eradication programme by farmers, the EU and directly by the State; the total amount allocated to the programme; the incidence rate for the years 2019 to date, by year; and the associated reasons for a reduction in the amount contributed by the EU. [57943/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe answer to the Deputy's queries are found in the below table and corresponding notes underneath.
|
|
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 YTD |
|
|
€000's |
€000's |
€000's |
€000's |
€000's |
€000's |
€000's |
€000's |
|
Bovine Disease Levies - Receipts |
€7,368 |
€7,849 |
€7,580 |
€7,648 |
€7,935 |
€8,090 |
€7,847 |
€3,626 |
|
Direct cost of the TB Programme excluding staff costs |
€37,544 |
€43,939 |
€52,489 |
€57,448 |
€74,284 |
€100,616 |
€121,984 |
€48,538 |
|
Contribution of the European Union * |
€8,789 |
€7,425 |
€4,336 |
€2,700 |
€1,595 |
€0,000 |
€0,000 |
€0,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TB Incidence Rate** |
3.72% |
4.38% |
4.33% |
4.31% |
4.94% |
6.04% |
5.72% |
5.32% |
* EU funds are paid in the year following the claim is made.
** Each full year figure is an annual figure. The 2026 YTD figure is a rolling figure.
Note: the 2026 YTD figures are up the end of June 2026.
The EU Commission has indicated that due to other animal disease priorities, there will be no funding for TB.
2619. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will instruct his Department to examine a case (details supplied) and ensure that conditions are at an acceptable standard. [58122/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has lead policy responsibility within government for animal welfare and takes this matter most seriously. Neglect of or causing unnecessary suffering to animals is not acceptable in our society.
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.
Inspections of dog breeding establishments are carried out by my Department and by the Dog Warden service, acting on behalf of individual local authorities. All registered dog breeding establishments undergo an annual inspection. Additional inspections, which include unannounced inspections are carried out according to a risk assessment.
On 19th May 2026, I introduced draft legislation, the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2026 to cabinet to update the existing regulatory framework for dog breeding establishments in Ireland across three key areas - welfare and breeding, sales and record keeping, and administration and enforcement. The Bill was approved for priority drafting and will be referred to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine for pre-legislative scrutiny.
My Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation. The dedicated email address and helpline in place for reporting suspected cases of animal welfare are:
Helpline Phone No: 01 607 2379.
Email address - animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie
All reports of alleged animal neglect or cruelty, received by my Department, are investigated and appropriate action is taken. However, it is not the policy of my Department to comment on individual cases.
2620. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of dog wardens employed on a full-time and part-time basis by each local authority; the number of administrative staff supporting the dog control service; the number of authorised dog collection vehicles in operation; the funding provided by his Department to each local authority under the Control of Dogs Acts 1986, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58137/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn July 2024, funding of €2 million annually was announced by the then Minister for Rural and Community Development for local authorities to support the resourcing of dog warden services from 2025. In February this year, I announced that this funding would continue into 2026. The funding is intended as a support for the hiring of up to 40 additional dog wardens and does not necessarily provide the full cost of employment.
In relation to the number of administrative staff and authorised vehicles, my Department has no involvement in the day to day running of local authorities. It is at therefore at the discretion of each local authority to deploy resources where they deem can have the maximum impact. This information can be requested directly from the local authorities.
