Written Answers Nos. 2621-2640
2621. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether the Government has set, or is considering setting, national or sectoral targets for reductions in Ireland’s bovine herd; if so, to provide details of the anticipated reductions, the projected timeframe, the policy basis for such reductions, and the projected county-by-county impact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58138/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no plans to reduce the national bovine herd.
The Food Vision Dairy and Beef & Sheep Groups were established in 2022. The first priority for the Groups was to chart a pathway to achieving the legally binding target of a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by 2030, equivalent to a reduction of 5.75 MT of carbon dioxide equivalent.
One of the recommendations of the Food Vision Dairy Group was to consider the potential of a voluntary reduction scheme for the dairy herd.
My Department’s examination of this issue has shown that to achieve emissions reductions through a herd reduction scheme would require a permanent move away from livestock production systems on lands under the scheme. It is also clear that there are a number of legal, financial and state aid complexities with designing and implementing a scheme of this nature.
Stakeholder discussions showed that there was limited interest in proceeding with such a scheme. In this context my Department has been clear in communicating that the cow reduction scheme was off the table and that our collective priority must be on other actions which are feasible.
2622. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on the measures being taken to manage the increasing deer population in County Waterford and the southeast; whether regional population targets have been established; the estimated deer population in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58139/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, along with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage established the Irish Deer Management Strategy group to develop a strategy for the sustainable management of deer in Ireland. The Group comprised representatives from my Department, National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Coillte. A report was published into “Developing a Sustainable Deer Management Strategy for Ireland” in December 2023.
The report listed 16 Actions, 8 of which are recommended in the short term and 8 of which are recommended in the medium term. These recommended actions address a wide range of issues from hunter training and forest design to land use management and the venison market. The report concluded that a formal structure was required to manage deer in Ireland, which involved the appointment of a Programme Manager to implement the recommendations of the report and the establishment of local deer management units in known hot spot areas.
My Department is committed to progressing the implementation of the actions identified by the Irish Deer Management Strategy Group (IDMSG) in this report. The Programme Manager, who has been appointed, will work closely with the IDMSG, my Department and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in prioritising and the implementation of the short term recommendations identified in the report.
15 dedicated Deer Management Units (DMUs) have been established in areas of the country that are well-known hot spots for wild deer. These DMUs aim to give the best geographic coverage in order to reduce the density of deer in these areas. Local co-ordinators have been appointed to lead the 15 dedicated DMUs.
The Programme Manager, through the local deer management units, will be liaising with licensed hunters and landowners in relation to the management of deer populations within the deer management units. Deer can continue to be culled by appropriate licensed hunters within the hunting season and with the use of Section 42 licenses issued by the NPWS outside the hunting season.
2623. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the quantity of fresh and frozen beef imported into the State in each year since 2020, broken down by country of origin; the country from which the product was consigned immediately before entering Ireland where different from the country of origin; the quantity imported from Mercosur countries; and the measures in place to verify compliance with Irish and EU food safety and traceability standards, in tabular form.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58140/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraConsignments of beef entering the EU from any non-EU country, including Mercosur countries, must do so through an approved Border Control Post (BCP). At the BCP, consignments are subject to official controls in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/625. These controls include documentary checks, identity checks and, where required, physical examinations and sampling. Documentary and identity checks, assessing information on the provenance of the goods and verifying these details against the labelling of the product, support compliance with EU traceability standards. Consignments that satisfy these controls, thereby demonstrating compliance with EU food law, may be released from the BCP for placing on the market.
Controls on imported beef, including testing for residues, are governed by EU legislation on official controls, and are graduated and risk-based. Consignments entering any EU Member State from any third country are sampled and tested in accordance with a national, risk-based monitoring plan (NRCP) for residues and contaminants, in line with Regulation (EU) 2017/625. The NRCP must be approved by the European Commission. Sampling at BCPs is targeted based on risk factors, including previous compliance history and EU-wide monitoring priorities.
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) is responsible for the compilation of official trade statistics in accordance with harmonised EU standards developed by Eurostat. These official trade statistics are based on Revenue data and do not capture the provenance of imports.
The import statistics must be viewed in the context of the overall beef trade data which shows that almost 460,000 mt worth €3.64 billion was exported from Ireland last year. It should be noted that these figures are preliminary estimates and subject to revision.
The table below details the volume of fresh and frozen beef imported into the State in tonnes for the years 2022 to 2025 by country.
|
- |
|
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Categories |
Country (UK = GB and NI, China = China + Macao + Hong Kong) |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
|
Fresh or Chilled Beef |
United Kingdom |
16,493 |
19,303 |
20,806 |
17,952 |
15,340 |
18,544 |
|
|
Belgium |
360 |
292 |
302 |
399 |
456 |
587 |
|
|
Spain |
1,126 |
907 |
792 |
604 |
444 |
431 |
|
|
France |
3 |
7 |
18 |
206 |
286 |
85 |
|
|
Netherlands |
315 |
338 |
647 |
687 |
337 |
93 |
|
|
Lithuania |
307 |
271 |
254 |
241 |
228 |
232 |
|
|
Germany |
35 |
30 |
22 |
30 |
18 |
62 |
|
|
Brazil |
|
|
|
|
3 |
9 |
|
|
Ceuta |
|
|
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
Poland |
605 |
155 |
134 |
108 |
67 |
29 |
|
|
Bulgaria |
|
|
1 |
0 |
4 |
7 |
|
|
Italy |
0 |
8 |
13 |
10 |
23 |
6 |
|
|
Argentina |
|
|
0 |
|
3 |
127 |
|
|
Unknown (Intra EU) |
|
4 |
22 |
6 |
5 |
3 |
|
|
Austria |
|
|
0 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
|
Uruguay |
|
|
|
|
2 |
0 |
|
|
Denmark |
20 |
22 |
33 |
18 |
1 |
0 |
|
|
Turkey |
|
|
61 |
|
|
|
|
|
Greece |
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Switzerland |
3 |
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Czech Republic |
|
0 |
19 |
18 |
5 |
|
|
|
Ireland |
4 |
|
|
0 |
0 |
|
|
|
Hungary |
|
|
|
0 |
1 |
|
|
|
Nicaragua |
|
367 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Japan |
|
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
Fresh or Chilled Beef Total |
|
19,271 |
21,718 |
23,125 |
20,282 |
17,231 |
20,222 |
|
- |
|
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Categories |
Country (UK = GB and NI, China = China + Macao + Hong Kong) |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
|
Frozen Beef |
United Kingdom |
3,726 |
7,857 |
7,289 |
10,291 |
9,762 |
12,249 |
|
|
Spain |
520 |
676 |
609 |
902 |
924 |
432 |
|
|
Brazil |
|
|
|
|
24 |
115 |
|
|
Canada |
0 |
|
|
|
|
122 |
|
|
Poland |
150 |
142 |
494 |
260 |
296 |
177 |
|
|
Germany |
10 |
1 |
2 |
427 |
452 |
165 |
|
|
Unknown (Non-EU) |
79 |
|
|
0 |
0 |
69 |
|
|
China |
25 |
0 |
126 |
48 |
100 |
75 |
|
|
Netherlands |
549 |
435 |
822 |
172 |
118 |
116 |
|
|
Qatar |
|
|
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
Bulgaria |
1 |
3 |
23 |
29 |
25 |
28 |
|
|
Italy |
|
|
|
17 |
340 |
93 |
|
|
United States |
|
24 |
|
|
0 |
16 |
|
|
United Arab Emirates |
|
|
|
|
1 |
6 |
|
|
France |
21 |
13 |
11 |
160 |
4 |
11 |
|
|
Ireland |
4 |
|
23 |
|
5 |
4 |
|
|
Austria |
|
|
2 |
45 |
64 |
21 |
|
|
Belgium |
|
|
5 |
114 |
0 |
1 |
|
|
Australia |
2 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
0 |
|
|
South Africa |
|
|
|
|
52 |
|
|
|
Unknown (Intra EU) |
|
|
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
|
|
St Pierre and Miquelon |
12 |
16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denmark |
101 |
290 |
40 |
125 |
|
|
|
|
Singapore |
25 |
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
|
Sweden |
|
|
1 |
0 |
|
|
|
|
Japan |
0 |
|
0 |
176 |
|
|
|
|
Hungary |
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
Romania |
|
|
3 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
Portugal |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
Frozen Beef Total |
|
5,227 |
9,458 |
9,452 |
12,794 |
12,171 |
13,727 |
Further information on agri-food sector trade can be found in chapter six of the Annual Review and Outlook for Agriculture, Food and the Marine 2024-2025 (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/publications/annual-review-and-outlook-for-agriculture-food-and-the-marine-2024/), my Department's annual economic publication.
2624. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures in place to ensure that imported beef, including beef imported from Mercosur countries, complies with all European Union rules relating to food safety, veterinary medicines, growth promoters, chemical treatments and shelf-life preservation techniques; the number of inspections carried out since 2022; the number of consignments tested; the number found non-compliant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58141/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll consignments of beef imported from non-EU countries, including Mercosur countries, are subject to stringent measures by my Department, to ensure compliance with EU food safety requirements. These measures include listing requirements for the exporting country and establishment, a suite of official controls at the point of entering the EU (at the border control post) and a robust system of certification.
Beef can only enter the EU from non-EU countries which are listed by Regulation (EU) 2021/405. Before a non-EU country is listed and can gain access to the EU market, it must apply for listing by the European Commission, and the application must be evaluated satisfactorily by the Commission. Following its listing, the country may propose establishments for listing. Establishments producing beef intended for export to the EU must comply with the public health requirements specified in Annex III to Regulation (EC) No. 853/2004.
All consignments of beef entering the EU from any non-EU country must do so through an approved Border Control Post (BCP). At the BCP, consignments are subject to official controls in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/625. These controls include documentary inspections, identity inspections and, where required, physical inspections and sampling. These measures are governed by EU legislation on official controls, and are graduated and risk-based. Sampling and analysis of product is carried out in accordance with a national, risk-based monitoring plan (NRCP) for residues and contaminants, in line with Regulation (EU) 2017/625. The NRCP must be approved by the European Commission.
As part of the certification process in the non-EU country, the official veterinarian must certify that the meat fulfils the guarantees covering animals and products thereof provided by the control plan on residues and contaminants submitted in accordance with Article 6(2) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/2292, and that the third country, or region thereof, of origin is listed as approved by the EU for importation of beef. All consignments of beef presenting at border control posts for entry into the EU must be accompanied by detailed identification and traceability documents including common health entry document and veterinary certification. There have been 9590 consignments of beef imported into the EU through Irish BCPs since 1st January 2022 of which 33 were non-compliant and were rejected from entering the EU.
2625. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the independent review commissioned in respect of the Protection of the Native Irish Honeybee Bill 2021; whether the report has been completed; whether it has been considered by his Department; whether he intends to publish it; whether legal advice has been obtained arising from its findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58142/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Protection of the Native Irish Honey Bee Bill 2021, a Private Members Bill, which seeks to ban the importation of non-native honey bees is currently before Dáil Éireann, Second Stage.
Following legal advice in relation to the Protection of the Native Irish Honey Bee Bill 2021, my Department procured independent scientific evidence and in October 2023, a contract was signed with the National University of Ireland, Galway for the provision of research services on the native Irish honey bee (Apis mellifera mellifera).
The research work concluded in December 2024, and the research report was subsequently evaluated by an external expert. Following the completion of the evaluation, the research service provider was afforded the opportunity to respond to the evaluator’s comments and these comments were received in September 2025. My Department is currently finalising the overall response to the report.
My Department has not requested any legal advice arising from the findings of the research report.
2626. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether he or his Department has formally sought a derogation from European Union State aid rules to facilitate an emergency income support scheme for Ireland’s inshore fishing sector; if so, to provide details of the request, the response received and the current status of the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58143/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra2627. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to detail all formal and informal engagement undertaken by him or his Department with the European Commission regarding the possibility of securing a derogation from State aid rules to facilitate an emergency income support scheme for Ireland’s inshore fishing sector, including the dates of meetings, correspondence exchanged and the current status of those discussions. [58144/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2626 and 2627 together.
Ireland, as an EU Member State, is required to comply with the State Aid regulations. The European Commission oversees the application of State Aid rules among Member States. Failure to comply with the State Aid rules, such as a failure to provide notification to the European Commission or implementing the aid without approval can result in the Member State being required to recover any aid provided. These rules also provide for added interest to be applied.
Following a review of union legislation there are no means for which derogation may be sought from State Aid rules at this time, however, Member States may use EMFAF funding to provide aid in respect of increased costs or production losses in exceptional and limited circumstances, and only where the Commission has made an implementing decision under Article 26(2). Currently there is an implementing decision in place that would allow any such aid to be provided under the EMFAF, but is limited to increases in fuel costs as a result of the Middle East conflict.
The Fishing and Aquaculture Registered Vessel Fuel Support Scheme which was implemented under the Middle East crisis Temporary State aid Framework (METSAF) closed for applications on Wednesday 17th June. 481 applications are in progress and estimated payments will amount to approximately €10.5 million. Letters of Offer have begun to issue and payments will be made in the coming weeks.
2628. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide details of all current derogations, exemptions or special flexibilities available under European Union State aid rules that permit financial assistance to the agriculture, horticulture, forestry, aquaculture and fishing sectors; the date each was secured; whether Ireland sought each derogation; and the level of support provided under each mechanism to date. [58145/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is being collated by my Department and a response will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
2629. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total value of financial supports paid to the agriculture, horticulture, forestry, aquaculture and fishing sectors under State aid measures, temporary crisis frameworks, temporary crisis and transition frameworks and other derogations from European Union State aid rules since 2020, broken down by scheme and year, in tabular form. [58146/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is being collated by my Department and a response will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
2630. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of hectares newly afforested in each of the years 2019 to date. [58163/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra2631. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of hectares licenced for afforestation in each of the years 2019 to date, by year. [58164/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2630 and 2631 together.
The total area of afforestation licences issued from 2019 to date is 29,200 Ha and the total area afforested from 2019 to date is 17,211 Ha.
The breakdown is shown in the table below:
|
Year |
Area (Ha) Licenced |
Area (Ha) Planted |
|
2019 |
4346 |
3,550 |
|
2020 |
4342 |
2,434 |
|
2021 |
4246 |
2,016 |
|
2022 |
4972 |
2,273 |
|
2023 |
789 |
1,651 |
|
2024 |
4844 |
1,573 |
|
2025 |
3577 |
2,527 |
|
2026 to date |
2084 |
1,187 |
|
Total |
29200 |
17,211 |
Forestry licensing performance has improved significantly, with processing times now meeting Farmers Charter targets of six months for screened-out projects and nine months for screened in projects.
There was an increase in planting of 62% in 2025, while there are another 4,600 hectares that are approved and as yet not yet planted.
Question No. 2631 answered with Question No. 2630.
2632. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on his efforts to alleviate the pressures on famers arising from the cost of green diesel. [58166/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognised the exceptional pressure of rising fuel costs on our farmers and agricultural contractors. Following close consultation with representative bodies, a substantial support package was put in place, which includes the full removal of all non-carbon excise on Marked Gas Oil (green diesel) of 7.4c/l, including the reduction in the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) levy.
These temporary reductions were due to expire on 31 July, but have now been extended in full until 31 August. To avoid any cliff-edge removal of supports, a phased restoration to pre-reduction levels will take place between September and December.
Alongside these measures, the Fuel Income Support Scheme was introduced as a targeted income support to assist farmers and agricultural contractors facing unprecedented increases in fuel costs. The payments cover the months of March up to the end of July 2026, which coincides with peak fuel usage on farms.
I was delighted to announce last week that €20.7 million in payments had commenced issuing to 29,464 farmers and contractors. This is the first batch of farmers and contractors cleared for payment and further payments will issue on an ongoing basis once cases are cleared. This scheme and the issuing of payments in a timely manner shows that Government can and will support the agricultural industry through difficult times.
The average payment for a contractor is approximately €4,000 in this batch of payments, with farmers receiving over €600. It is expected that the total final payments under this scheme will be approximately €27 million.
There is a separate support scheme for vessels in the fishery and aquaculture sectors and for specialist horticulture.
2633. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will establish a dedicated farm succession scheme as part of Budget 2027 to support the progressive transfer of the managerial, financial and decision-making responsibilities of farm enterprises to younger farmers; the proposed eligibility criteria, payment structure and timeframe for such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58180/26]
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 and measures include the Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers (CIS-YF); the National Reserve Scheme, which prioritises young farmers; and a higher grant rate of 60% for qualified young farmers under the TAMS capital investment measure. A Collaborative Farming Grant Scheme provides financial support to encourage farmers to form partnerships with young, trained farmers and the Succession Planning Advice Grant provides financial support towards the costs incurred for independent legal and financial advice for older farmers about succession planning.
Nationally, there are strong taxation measures to facilitate succession and assist land mobility. For succession, Agricultural Relief is the key measure, along with 100% Stamp Duty Relief and Consanguinity Stamp Duty Relief. In addition, long-term leasing income tax relief supports access to land for young farmers and provides a route to retirement for older farmers.
The Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme (GSLS) provides low-cost, long-term investment loans up to ten years, and is a viable source of finance for young farmers. Teagasc education and knowledge activities focus on equipping young farmers with necessary education, training and advice to build long and successful careers in farming. Teagasc also run annual “Transferring the Family Farm” clinics to guide farmers on succession.
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. It was necessary however 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. Some of the recommendations may be commenced in the short term, but some will be more medium term. The current CAP is fully programmed and the budget has been committed. Therefore, recommendations in the report around CAP supports will need to be considered in the context of the new round post 2027, including the new CAP regulation and a new budget. However, I will continue to progress other recommendations, where appropriate.
Farm succession is a complex issue and there are many factors that impact farmers’ decisions. It is an issue in which I am actively engaged, as it is vital that we have skilled, innovative young farmers coming into the sector to secure a viable and sustainable future for Irish farming.
2634. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the requirement that a successor participate in a succession farm partnership for a prescribed period before the farm is transferred; if he has assessed whether this condition is delaying or discouraging otherwise viable farm transfers; if he will consider its removal or amendment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58181/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming, which reported last year, produced a thorough analysis and made 31 recommendations across a wide range of areas. One of the recommendations around taxation supports includes the removal of the 3-year requirement for Succession Farm Partnerships. While some of the taxation recommendations have already been progressed in the last Budget, work is on-going in relation to many of the other recommendations.
Taxation policy is primarily the responsibility of my colleague the Minister of Finance, and I work closely with him on taxation issues relating to the agri-food sector. While the remaining recommendations from the Report are being considered, it is a long-standing practice not to comment in advance on any matters that might be the subject of budget decisions.
2635. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an independent, multi-annual Exchequer funding stream for the Land Mobility Service, including the €150,000 annual allocation sought by an organisation (details supplied) in its Pre-Budget 2027 Submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58182/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn advance of the Budget 2027 negotiations, I will engage extensively with agri-food stakeholders, including the organisation to which the Deputy refers. 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.
2636. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the additional expenditure that would be required in Budget 2027 to ensure that increased participation in the national beef welfare scheme, straw incorporation measure, national sheep welfare scheme and other demand-led agricultural schemes does not result in reduced payment rates or the exclusion of otherwise eligible applicants; whether he has submitted the necessary funding requirements to the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform and Digitalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58186/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials in my Department have commenced preparations for Budget 2027 and, as part of this process, I have held meetings with the farming organisations in relation to their budgetary proposals.
In the coming weeks both I and my officials will engage extensively with Minister Harris and Minister Chambers and their officials regarding all aspects of my Department's budget ask for 2027.
I will make every effort to secure a strong budget for my Department that will ensure the continuation of meaningful supports for the agri-food sector next year.
2637. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the allocation Ireland will receive from the EU agricultural crisis reserve to address increased fertiliser costs, whether the Government will provide the maximum level of co-financing permitted in respect of that allocation; when a fertiliser support scheme will be opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58187/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 13 July, the Council formally adopted the Regulation which will introduce measures to help European farmers address the recent increase in fertiliser prices and other input costs. These measures will enable Member States to provide targeted assistance to farmers facing rising production costs and liquidity pressures.
The EU Commission has committed a total package of €540 million in exceptional aid across all Member States. In this regard, Ireland has been allocated €15,381,900 in emergency assistance which can be made available to farmers.
My Department is considering fully the approach to be taken in the deployment of these funds.
2638. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what measures are being considered ahead of Budget 2027 to address the volatile nature of farm income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58188/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am fully aware of the volatile nature of farm income. Irish agricultural output prices and input costs are sensitive to geopolitical and global economic factors, as well as more localised factors such as weather conditions. This can lead to significant variations in income from year to year. There are currently a number of measures, both through the €9.8 billion CAP Strategic Plan and nationally funded, designed to reduce risk and respond to market crises. One of the most effective tools in addressing volatility is the certainty provided by direct payments under CAP. Also available to farmers is Income averaging, which allows farmers to pay tax based on the average of five years' farming profits and losses.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to, “Consider further taxation measures to manage evolving issues such as market volatility”. Taxation policy is the primary responsibility of the Minister for Finance. Both our Departments engaged on this issue in advance of last year’s budget, and the Department of Finance produced an analysis for the Tax Strategy Group, which has been published (at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-finance/collections/budget-2026-tax-strategy-group-papers/). That analysis concluded that the introduction of an income volatility measure is not recommended on the grounds of cost, tax equity, tax administration, regulatory issues, and equality.
However, I remain open to discussing further with stakeholders any proposed measures in relation to managing income volatility.
2639. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there were discussions at the recent EU Agriculture Council concerning the funding of CAP post 2027 and the need to ensure adequate financial resources for same in view of its importance for the farming and agri-food sector, rural development and food security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58240/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe overall budget for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2027 will form part of the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which is negotiated at EU level by Finance Ministers and, ultimately, agreed by Heads of State and Government. In Ireland, the Department of Finance and the Department of Foreign Affairs lead on these negotiations, in close consultation with my Department and the Department of the Taoiseach.
Although the overall CAP budget is determined through the MFF negotiations, the future financing of the CAP has been discussed regularly at meetings of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in the context of the European Commission's proposals for the CAP post-2027. While the matter was not specifically discussed in July, these exchanges have highlighted the importance of ensuring that the future CAP is supported by an adequate budget to enable it to meet its economic, environmental and social objectives.
I have previously expressed my concerns at the AgriFish Council of Ministers regarding the proposed reduction in the CAP budget compared with the 2021-2027 period, and have emphasised that the future CAP must be adequately funded in order to support viable farm incomes, food security, generational renewal, environmental sustainability and vibrant rural communities.
With Ireland now holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, we are acting as an honest broker to advance the negotiations on the future budget to the maximum possible extent over the coming months, taking into account the views of all Member States as we work to build consensus on a range of issues, including CAP funding.
Over this period I will continue to work closely with my Government colleagues, and to engage constructively with Member State counterparts and the European Commission, to ensure that the CAP budget ultimately agreed reflects the strategic importance of agriculture, and the sector's contribution to Europe’s food security and long-term resilience.
2640. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications for FISS in Carlow that were unsuccessful; the general reasoning for turning applications down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58357/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra2641. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications for FISS in Kilkenny that were unsuccessful; the general reasoning for turning applications down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58358/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2640 and 2641 together.
My 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.
Payments to farmers and agricultural/forestry contractors commenced on July 22nd and payments will continue to issue as cases are cleared in the coming days and weeks.
At this stage it is not possible to give county specific information regarding unsuccessful applications, however, based on an examination of applications so far there are three predominant reasons an applicant will not receive payment under this scheme:
• The total fuel usage in 2025 was less than 1,200 litres and hence the payment is below the scheme minimum of €100.
• The applicant has been requested to provide evidence to support their claim and has not been in a position to do so.
• The use of marked gas oil was not in the agricultural or forestry sectors.
In the coming weeks My Department will write to unsuccessful applicants informing them of the decision with regard to their Fuel Income Support claim.
