Written Answers Nos. 2641-2660
2642. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the budget allocation in 2026 within his Department for farmers to apply for funding to cover the costs of installing farm safety measures. [58362/26]
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 total allocation for TAMS of ~ €90 million in respect of 2026 is spread over all schemes. As TAMS is a demand led scheme it is not possible to allocate a budget to each of the eleven schemes individually.
Payments across all schemes amounting to €58.3 million have issued to date in 2026, including €4.3 million under the Farm Safety Capital Investment Scheme. I have ensured all applications for farm safety measures continue to be approved in recent TAMS 3 application tranches, despite ranking and selection being applied for other measures.
In addition, €50,000 has been allocated for the National Farm Safety Measure for 2026. This measure provides 60% grant aid for PTO shaft covers.
Further funding of €5 million was also allocated in Budget 2026 for the Acceleration of Wear and Tear Allowances for Farm Safety Equipment Scheme in 2026. This scheme is administered by my Department and the Revenue Commissioners. The Scheme allows for the Accelerated Capital Allowances (ACA) of 50% per annum over two years on qualifying farm safety and adaptive equipment.
2643. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide a detailed breakdown of his Department’s budget for the EU Presidency; the details of any planned gifts for attendees and dignitaries; details of any branded merchandise purchased; the details of events planned by his Department throughout the duration of the Presidency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58599/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union is an important opportunity for Ireland to shape Europe’s policy direction, lead important aspects of the EU’s work, and showcase Ireland’s engagement, expertise and values at the heart of the European Union. The Government has committed in the Programme for Government to resourcing and delivering a successful Presidency.
In line with that commitment, the Revised Estimates for 2026 included an allocation of €3,317,000 to my Department to cover the estimated costs associated with the Department’s responsibility for policy and operational planning for the EU Presidency.
The principal areas that expenditure is expected to arise are:
1. Informal Meetings & Events in Ireland - €1,800,000
• Organisation and delivery of Informal Agriculture and Fisheries Council Meetings
• Organisation and delivery of meetings of Senior EU Working Party Officials
• Organisation and delivery of Presidency-related Conferences and associated events
2. Travel & Subsistence - €1,250,000
• Official travel undertaken in support of Presidency duties
• Subsistence costs incurred in accordance with standard civil service rates.
3. Overtime - €160,000
• Overtime arising from extended working hours associated with the preparation and delivery of Presidency events and meetings.
4. Other hospitality and IT costs not encompassed above - €107,000
• Other hospitality and IT costs associated with Presidency events and meetings, in line with Government guidelines, including incoming visits from EU delegations and IT systems to support the organisation of Presidency meetings and events.
My Department is meeting Presidency staffing requirements primarily from within existing resources.
It is customary for modest mementos to be given to strengthen goodwill and promote domestic craftsmanship during the Presidency.
My Department has organised small gifts of Irish chocolates to be distributed at Council and Working Party Meetings in Brussels, and at the EU Presidency events in Ireland. In addition, we will be distributing a number of small mementos for incoming Heads of Delegation for both the Informal Meeting of EU Fisheries Ministers, and the Informal Meeting of EU Agriculture Ministers.
With regard to branded merchandise, my Department has procured a small number of Presidency branded Polo shirts, to be used by staff within my Department at EU Presidency events.
The events that will be hosted by my Department during the EU Presidency are:
|
Event |
Date |
Location |
|
Informal Meeting of EU Ministers for Fisheries |
28th & 29th July 2026 |
Cork |
|
Informal Meeting of EU Agriculture Ministers |
06th to 08th September 2026 |
Dublin/Kildare |
|
Special Committee on Agriculture |
06th to 08th September 2026 |
Dublin/Kildare |
|
Informal meeting of Directors-General and Attachés for Fisheries |
09th to 11th September 2026 |
Cork |
|
Common Agriculture Policy Strategic Plans Directors Meeting |
14th to 16th September |
Dublin |
|
Meeting of Working Party on Animal & Veterinary Questions (Chief Veterinary Officers) |
14th to 17th September 2026 |
Kilkenny |
|
Informal meeting of the Chief Plant Health Officers |
07th to 09th October 2026 |
Dublin |
|
Informal Meeting of EU Forest Directors |
21th & 22nd October 2026 |
Dublin/Wicklow |
|
Meeting of Paying Agency Directors |
23th to 25th November 2026 |
Kildare |
|
Meeting of EU Organic Ambassadors |
08th to 10th September 2026 |
Dublin/Wicklow |
|
Meeting of Issue Group on Agriculture Forestry and Other Land Use |
22nd & 23rd September |
Dublin |
|
European Mission Soil Week 2026 |
17th & 18th November 2026 |
Dublin |
|
Global Bioeconomy Summit |
20th & 21st October |
Dublin |
2644. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide a detailed breakdown of all gifts received in his capacity as Minister; the nature of these gifts and potential monetary value; the procedures followed in accepting gifts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58617/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraA breakdown as requested by the Deputy is not available. Any gifts received in my capacity as Minister are of negligible monetary value, for example books, plaques, or other small mementos from a particular location.
2645. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide a detailed breakdown of spending on media training or strategic consultants by his Department and all bodies under his aegis in preparation for Oireachtas committees since 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58635/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table below sets out details of the amount expended by my department on training for staff in preparation Oireachtas Committees, from 2024 to date in 2026.
The supplier of the training was the Communications Clinic. The company was engaged by OneLearning, the shared service for learning and development for the Civil Service.
The purpose of the training was to enhance understanding of the purpose and objectives of Oireachtas Committees and the obligations and rights of those selected to appear in front of those committees.
|
Year |
Service Supplier |
Brief outline of Service provided |
Total Cost € |
|
2024- 2026 (to-date) |
The Communications Clinic (via OneLearning) |
Courses provided were as follows: • Preparing to Appear as a Witness in front of Oireachtas Committees - Online Virtual Classroom
• Preparing to Appear as a Witness in front of Oireachtas Committees - In-Class • Preparing your colleagues to appear at Oireachtas Committees - Online Virtual Classroom
|
€4160 |
In respect of the years 2022 and 2023, staff in my department attended Senior Public Service (SPS) training on Oireachtas Communication Training.
This SPS training was provided by the Communications Clinic and was organised by the Department of Public Expenditure Infrastructure Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.
The information requested by the Deputy regarding public bodies under the aegis of my department is an operational matter for the public body themselves. I have referred this query to the bodies under the aegis of my department and have asked that they respond directly to the Deputy.
2646. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an overview of the AI policy in place within his Department; if AI has been incorporated into any work streams; if AI is ever used in reply to parliamentary questions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58653/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is not possible to provide the information requested in the required time, and a response will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
2647. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he uses personal emails for Government business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58671/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Government business is carried out through secure official email accounts, in line with my Department’s Information Security Acceptable Use Policy.
2648. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he uses an app (details supplied) for Government business; if the automatic deletion of messages function is operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58689/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the deputy that I do not use a messaging app for Government business.
The use of software including messaging apps on Department devices is governed under my Department’s Information Security Acceptable Use policy and is in line with circular 09/2019 "Policy on the Use of Private Email and Other Private Messaging Services".
2649. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of the messaging providers downloaded on his Ministerial phone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58707/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI do not have any messaging provider apps downloaded on my Ministerial phone.
2652. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine following the publication of the towards a just transition in agriculture and land use report and its recommendations, if his Department is working to improve equitable access to climate action schemes and increase funding available for climate and biodiversity actions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58839/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra2650. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine following the publication of the towards a just transition in agriculture and land use report and its recommendations, if the Minister intends to convene a national dialogue on the future of Irish agriculture and land use to develop a shared long-term vision for agriculture and land use, facilitating participation by farmers, rural communities, industry, civil society and other stakeholders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58837/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra2651. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine following the publication of the towards a just transition in agriculture and land use report and its recommendations, if the Minister will establish long-term funding commitments to support generational land-use change and ensure funding arrangements reflect the long-term nature of land-use decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58838/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra2653. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine following the publication of the towards a just transition in agriculture and land use report and its recommendations, if the Minister plans to introduce or expand payments for ecosystem services, ensure adequate funding to reward environmental outcomes, and provide additional financial incentives for nature restoration and biodiversity enhancement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58840/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra2654. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine following the publication of the towards a just transition in agriculture and land use report and its recommendations, if his Department have plans to scale up farmer-led skills development initiatives and scale up community-led development programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58841/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2652, 2650, 2651, 2653 and 2654 together.
I welcome the publication of the Just Transition Commission's report, “Towards a Just Transition in Agriculture and Land Use” and note its alignment with Food Vision 2030, Ireland’s stakeholder led agri-food strategy that sets a vision is for Ireland to be “A World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems”, with environmental, economic and social sustainability at its core.
In considering the future direction of agriculture and land use, it is important to recognise the critical importance of food production alongside our many environmental commitments. In the context of nature, my priority remains that any restoration measures affecting farmers and other landowners are voluntary, properly incentivised and supported by adequate and sustainable funding, outside of CAP, while safeguarding food production, farm viability and vibrant rural communities.
The Irish agriculture sector is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030 and my Department is supporting farmers through a range of measures under Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan. Our flagship Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) supports approximately 54,000 farmers delivering environmental, biodiversity, climate and water quality benefits. I secured an additional €280 million for ACRES in 2026 to build on this progress.
Support for organic farming has also increased significantly, with 248,000 hectares now farmed organically and with 5,500 farmers supported by the Organic Farming Scheme with funding of €58.6 million in 2026. Additionally, €17.8 million has been allocated to eleven new European Innovation Partnership (EIP) projects, supporting innovative locally-led environmental solutions.
I have also allocated €260 million to the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme to improve the genetic merit and carbon efficiency of the national beef herd. The National Forestry Programme is underpinned by €1.3 billion in funding, with the 2026 allocation increased to €93 million to support carbon sequestration and climate action.
Recognising the importance of the next generation to the future of Irish agriculture, I published the report of the Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming, which sets out recommendations such as access to land and finance, taxation, pensions and collaborative farming arrangements.
Stakeholder engagement is central to agricultural policy development. My Department continually consults with farmers, representative organisations, industry, environmental groups and rural communities. In February 2026, I launched a public consultation on the future of the CAP post-2027. I remain committed to ensuring that farmers and all stakeholders continue to play a central role in shaping the future of Irish agriculture and land use.
2655. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine following the publication of the towards a just transition in agriculture and land use report and its recommendations, if the Minister will establish a targeted support package for young farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58842/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recently published Just Transition Commission Report includes a recommendation for the development and implementation by Government of a comprehensive strategy for generational renewal, including targeted supports for young farmers and measures to improve access to land for new entrants.
Supporting young farmers is critically important to ensure a bright future for the agri-food sector. A range of supports are currently 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. Long-term leasing income tax relief supports access to land for young farmers and provides a route to retirement for older farmers.
In addition, 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. 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.
2656. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the value of funding approved by Bord Iascaigh Mhara for seafood, aquaculture and coastal community development projects in each coastal county in each of the past ten years; the number of approved projects, in tabular form. [58933/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Seafood Development Programme 2021-2027, Bord Iascaigh Mhara implement a multitude of schemes to support seafood, aquaculture and coastal community development projects. As the request relates to data covering a ten year span, I have referred the Deputy's requests to Bord Iascaigh Mhara for attention and direct reply.
2657. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when it is expected that PGI status will be approved in respect of boxty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58957/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased that an application to register Boxty as a protected geographical indication (PGI) has been submitted to my Department. PGIs identify a product whose quality, reputation or other characteristics are linked to its geographical origin. Boxty is a traditional potato dish which is deeply rooted in our heritage.
For an application to reach the point of registration it must complete national and European level procedures. The Boxty applicant has engaged extensively with my Department and undertaken important work to finalise the product specification and single document in line with regulatory requirements and to strengthen the application.
The next step for the application is the national opposition procedure. This will give an opportunity for all interested parties to examine the application and submit any observations they may wish to make. Once that process is finalised and any oppositions dealt with in accordance with the EU rules, the next stage would be to submit the application to the European Commission for scrutiny.
I am very supportive of PGI applications such as this as they add value to our agri-food products as well as highlighting their heritage.
2658. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to Parliamentary Question No. 826 of 19 May 2026, if his Department has concluded its overall response to the report referred to in that reply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58958/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is still finalising the response to the report submitted by the National University of Ireland, Galway in relation to the provision of research services on the native Irish honey bee (Apis mellifera mellifera).
2659. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine following his Department's commissioning of independent scientific research on the native Irish honeybee if he proposes to implement legislative measures to protect this important element of our natural heritage and assist in supporting the future of wild bee populations, beekeeping and honey production here. [58959/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Protection of the Native Irish Honey Bee Bill 2021, a Private Members Bill, which seeks to ban the importation of non-native honey bees is currently before Dáil Éireann, Second Stage. Progression of the Bill through Dáil Éireann is therefore subject to the procedures of the Oireachtas.
My Department is very supportive of beekeepers and beekeeping associations. The Annual Grants to Irish National Beekeepers Federations, which is Exchequer funded, provides funding to the four Irish National Beekeepers Federations to help their associated members to pursue the craft of beekeeping to the highest standards and to also inform the public about the environmental role that bees play in maintaining Irish biodiversity and crop production. In 2025, the four national beekeeping federations received a total of €25,500 through this measure for various initiatives.
My Department also supports Irish beekeeping under the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Horticulture sector through the provision of grant aid for capital investments by individual beekeepers in specialised beekeeping related equipment and structures, including specialised bee breeding equipment and honey extraction equipment.
In supporting research initiatives, €121,000 was paid out under the National Apiculture Programme in 2025 to support beekeeping through an approved applied research project being conducted by UCD- called PROBEE.
My Department also provides funding under the Conservation of Plant and Animal Genetic Resources Scheme. The Native Irish Honey Bee Society received funding in 2021 and 2024 under this scheme for projects related to the conservation of the native Irish honey bee and their application under the 2026 Scheme has also been approved.
2660. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department has considered providing additional supports to livestock farmers in Galway east in light of the impact of recent periods of extreme weather; whether further assistance measures are under consideration by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59096/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra2662. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether additional financial supports for livestock farmers affected by recent extreme weather events are being considered as part of Budget 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59098/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2660 and 2662 together.
My Department provides a range of supports and advisory notices regarding prolonged spells of extreme weather. During the recent very hot weather, these have included advisory notices on fire risk, farm safety and advice on animal welfare. In particular, farmers have been reminded to make sure their animals have access to water and shade, minimising transport if possible and monitoring carefully for heat stress. In addition, farmers themselves should also take care when working outdoors in hot weather, particularly taking appropriate action regarding skin care, hydration and when working with farm machinery.
My Department provides a wide range of support schemes for farmers, which act as a fundamental hedge against farm income volatility.
