Martin Heydon
Kildare South · Fine Gael · Ireland
“In the time allotted to us, I would say we will not be able to cover everything in CAP. To take the last point first, the budget is everything. While it is not part of my negotiations as chair of the AGRIFISH Council, it is a key focus of the Irish Presidency.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising this important point. A key focus of Food Vision 2030, the shared stakeholder-led strategy for the agrifood sector, is to grow the value of Irish agrifood exports in international markets, which, as I outlined earlier, we have been very successful at in recent years.”
“All producers selling raw milk must register with my Department and are subject to risk-based official controls that include inspection, audit and sampling.”
“Whether it is farmers with particular issues that are leading to environmental issues or issues with structures that need to be replaced, we are very lucky to have capital support in agriculture. I really believe in our TAMS structure.”
“I was delighted to be able to introduce the tillage sustainability support scheme earlier this year. I have not been found wanting in standing up and supporting a tillage sector that has been under pressure in recent times. The same applies to horticulture.”
“Following the publication of the report, I wrote to the chairperson of the board on 22 June 2026, requesting that the board develop a timely and effective action plan to address the recommendations in the report, and I will be seeking regular updates on its progress. I want to see these recommendations implemented and progressed.”
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“I move: That Dáil Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2025, copies of which were laid in draft form before Dáil Éireann on the 16th October, 2025. I am delighted to have the opportunity to address an important topic, namely, the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2025. I will be sharing my time with my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Healy-Rae. The horse and greyhound industries are an important part of Ireland’s economy and cultural heritage. Both sectors help promote balanced economic growth across Ireland, as they provide significant economic and social benefit to rural communities. Their importance has been acknowledged by successive Governments, and they are supported through legislation and policy initiatives.”
“The contributions that people make around animal welfare are something I will reflect on in future legislation coming down the line. I have touched on the points made by Senators Davitt and Byrne. As I said in my opening address, section 12(13) of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001 provides that a draft of these regulations be laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas and a resolution approving the draft be passed by each House. I ask for the support of this House to ensure that Horse Racing Ireland and Rásaíocht Con Éireann receive the funding provided for in budget 2026. I commend this regulation to the House.”
“In response to the point about curious timing of animal welfare, it is not curious. We have an animal welfare strategy that ran from 2021 to 2025. The new strategy needs to start in 2026, so it is entirely appropriate, in late 2025, to open a public consultation. It was in no way equated with that public launch. I was juggling my diary. I was in Brussels on Monday. I have to find days to do these things and I do them with the best of intentions. That animal welfare strategy is for people who are passionate about animals, whether they are farmers, pet owners or leisure enthusiasts. They may be for or against different things that happen but everybody will have their say. I have already spoken about the evolving nature of animal welfare and I want to see it improve into the future to reflect changes in society.”
“Some 5,800 of the individual runners won prize money at some stage, which equates to around 73%. In 2023, it was 71%. Out of around 2,900 individual races, over 2,400 had prize money of under €25,000, with 129 having prize money greater than €100,000. I was struck when Senator Brady talked about the memory he had of winning early money on a greyhound. You might not remember the amount, but you remember the winning feeling. That is why people have racehorses. It gives them that sense of hope. Prize money is a key element of that, as is keeping our international comparators. In response to the point Senator Stephenson made, which Senator Higgins made as well, about the 80:20 split, it is not my intention to change it. That has been common practice for some time.”
“We talked here about the dream of breeding and owning a horse that can have a big, successful day and the prestige that goes with that. Obviously, it is an expensive hobby to have a horse in training and all of the costs that go with that. Prize money plays a key role in that regard. We talk about Ireland being an international world leader, but we are competing with France, the UK, the USA, Japan and others. I was in Japan earlier this year and saw the finances that are going into that space. The funding models are very different. They have the pari-mutuel in France, which means that a lot more resources are going in. That really matters. It is important, however, to reflect on the factbook from 2024, which showed that there were 390 horse racing fixtures, 8,022 individual runners and 27% of horses won at least one race.”
“The first six months of 2025 have shown a healthy rise in reported racecourse attendances. Total attendance for that period stands at 566,377, which belies the insinuation that this is not a popular activity or is something that does not have widespread support. The other point I want to make relates to prize money. There was a suggestion that this is a wealthy person's game, and I understand the imagery around that. A lot of the Senators who spoke in favour of this fund today know exactly where those rural jobs are and know the impact of the investment across our rural communities. We see that first hand and so we get passionate about this. We also get passionate about the fact that the prize money supports the dream.”
“However, it is important to reflect on the fact that the attendance figures in 2024, across almost 1,500 race meetings, were almost 360,000 - 358,141 to be precise - and those people would prove the contrary. The points that Senator Byrne made about economic activity at the Enniscorthy greyhound track and the local clubs that fundraise are relevant. Thanks to a night at Newbridge greyhound track, my parish was able to raise over €10,000 for the roof of the church. Everybody really enjoyed that night. We must acknowledge the economic activity, the output that results from the relatively low cost of running such events and the social importance of them. On the horse racing side, total reported attendances by each racecourse supplied to HRI for 2024 amounted to 1.242 million, an increase on 2023.”
“As Senator Higgins outlined, rehoming has become more of a focus in recent years and has broad acceptance. Animal welfare, at a broad level, is something that evolves over time in terms of public acceptance and the social acceptability of things that happen. Things that happened years ago do not happen anymore and this is an evolving area. In terms of rehoming, we are putting a lot of resources into that space. RCE is doing that and it is happening more and more. That is something that we want to see continue because we know that greyhounds make fabulous pets. There is a significant role in that space. Some Senators suggested that this is a very unpopular industry and that nobody likes greyhound racing.”
“Yes, absolutely; imminently. The Senator has my word on that. A number of Senators raised the issue of rehoming and related matters. As happened in committee last night, a number of figures were being referenced around rehoming and linkages with expenditure on that. Senator Davitt talked earlier about red herrings, which is a strong phrase, and about absolutely making sure we adequately represent elements. Those very small numbers were just in relation to domestic rehomings. They did not take account of the greyhounds that were accommodated at one of the greyhound care centres that were selected for rehoming. The 587 greyhounds rehomed through international rehoming partners of the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust were not included in those figures.”
“The public consultation is completed. The results have to be collated. I have instructed my officials that I want that published as soon as possible and Senators will see that report imminently. It will absolutely happen this year. This will not be long-fingered.”
“I hear the concerns that are being raised and I assure Senators that they will see a legislative process around that element. I want to reassure Members-----”
“Senator Daly also outlined the economic benefits for his locality in the midlands, particularly in Westmeath. Senator Andrews used strong words with regard to accountability and integrity of RCE. I want to clarify some of the points that were made about rehoming by Senators Stephenson and Higgins. I also want to deal with the issue of artificial insemination of greyhounds, which was raised by Senators Andrews, Higgins and Davitt in particular. My Department held a public consultation on this practice. As has been outlined, this is not a common or widespread practice. I made inquiries about this when I came into this role and I understand it has been discussed here previously. That public consultation is very important and the results will be published very shortly. Those results are going to feed into a legislative process.”
“They are generating a massive boost for their local economy with the relatively small amounts that are being invested in those capital projects. That is what I want to see continuing. On welfare, sheep worrying and so on, as Senator Higgins outlined, yesterday I launched a public consultation on the new animal welfare strategy that will be finalised next year. She is right that owners have a key responsibility in animal welfare. That is always the case, whether they are farmers or pet owners and whether it is for leisure activities, greyhounds and beyond. People should pay attention to where their dogs are and whether they are worrying sheep and so forth. Everything we do around animal welfare needs to reflect the responsibility of owners.”
“As I said in regard to all areas of agriculture, this is my first year of what I hope will be five years of budgets. I will be judged at the end as to how I have been able to support this sector and the vital jobs it provides in rural Ireland. I acknowledge the points that Senator Daly made about Kilbeggan racetrack. He spoke about the investment it has made in rubber mats, cameras and all of the other elements related to welfare, integrity and beyond that do not qualify for sports capital funding. The capital fund from the horse and greyhound fund is the only mechanism for racetracks like that. I have been at Kilbeggan on a number of occasions as well as places like Ballinrobe. I have seen those smaller tracks and how they are utilising those capital funds.”
“On the points outlined by Senators Daly and Davitt in terms of disappointment that the fund is static compared with last year, this was a very constrained budget. I have 13 different semi-State bodies under my remit in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Bord Bia, Teagasc, and the horse and greyhound fund have all seen significant increases year on year in recent times, but given the constrained nature of this budget, I did not have the ability to raise the budgets for those semi-State organisations. I did so for the Agri-Food Regulator because that is a new, fledgling operation and it is right that it gets additional resources. I was determined that this budget would not be reduced, but I recognise the points made by Senators Daly and Davitt about the disappointment that it was not increased.”
“The breeding activity of thoroughbreds, like sport horses, is predominantly an activity carried out by people who farmers. It is an alternative income source as well. Some 80% of thoroughbreds bred in this country are bred by people who have four mares or fewer. They are not the big studs. They are farmers who have a few mares, with a dream like Senator Daly. We look forward to keeping a close eye on his one-year-old that is currently being broken.”
“There is also the fact that we have it clearly set out around what we expect in terms of investment and expenditure in the area of welfare and integrity, but HRI and RCÉ have surpassed the minimum threshold that I set for them. I look forward to making public the report that was requested by the Committee of Public Accounts and which I have submitted to it and the relevant bodies. I will implement the recommendations on increasing that contribution. That will not be an issue because both sectors are going over and beyond what has been required of them. Horse Sport Ireland carries out important activities. The sport horse is an important part, no more than the breeding of the thoroughbred horse for the racing industry. That is largely the same with greyhounds as well.”
“That money directly feeds into our trainers' yards, all the staff they employ, and into breeding, the various sales that happen around the country and the breeding establishments and all the jobs. There is that direct link there. In terms of the return for those owners, to have the opportunity to race those horses is critical. Senator Brady also highlighted the welfare provision of the all-weather track and how important that is. Senator Boyhan talked about the letter of parameters to HRI and RCÉ. Absolutely, we are talking about a lot of taxpayers' money here. It is absolutely right that I would set out in correspondence very clearly the service level agreements that they have with the IHRB, the requirements and the reporting requirements there are and the oversight there is in the administration of that funding.”
“Regarding the all-weather track for Tipperary, a lot of people who have horses in training need an outlet to race them. For a trainer in Munster, Dundalk is an awful long way away on a Friday night. A race might finish at 10 p.m. on a Friday night and staff would not get home until 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. A key point to make, one I made at the committee last night, is that after the Exchequer funding, which is very significant, the other major financial contributor to the horse racing sector is the owners of horses, those who invest in buying those horses. Let us be honest, these are individuals who use their after-tax earned money to go into this leisure pursuit and have this activity.”
“I thank the Senators for their valuable contributions to what is an important debate. I respect everyone's strongly held views on both sides of the House. I have a written response but I would prefer to go through the individual points that have been raised by colleagues. That would be more beneficial in terms of the very valid points that have been raised across the board, starting with Senator Brady. He articulately outlined the economic benefits to areas of Roscommon from the horse racing activity that happens on the track there, but also the impact on Longford town when the greyhound track was lost. There was the acute sense that sometimes you do not really appreciate what you have until it is gone. We know the impact that can have.”
“One of the report's key recommendations is to increase the share of the fund ring-fenced for welfare purposes over the medium term. I assure the House that my Department will work with the bodies to implement this and other recommendations contained in the report in the coming months. Accordingly, I am seeking Senators' support to ensure that HRI and RCÉ receive the funding provided for in budget 2026 and that the important role played by these industries and the economic activity they generate will be sustained into the future. I commend this regulation to the House. I look forward to listening to the views of Members.”
“These two industries are contributors to balanced regional economic growth and both continue to provide a range of benefits for many rural locations. These benefits must not be overlooked. The horse and greyhound racing fund has played a key role in providing this investment and it has been instrumental in the shaping of these industries and the many livelihoods they support. Following a request from the Committee of Public Accounts, my Department commissioned an external review of the governance of the fund and the bodies in receipt of moneys from it in the context of the current legislative and policy framework. This review has been completed, and a copy of the final report was sent to the committee last week.”
“The work of RCÉ underscores this commitment, particularly as it conducted almost 2,500 inspections in the past year, the second-highest annual figure on record. I am pleased to report that the industry maintains a zero-tolerance approach to any breaches, demonstrating its commitment to the highest standards. RCÉ is fully committed to developing, managing and promoting a successful and commercially sustainable greyhound racing industry. This industry will offer a high-quality, consumer-focused entertainment product that meets the highest possible international regulatory and welfare standards. It will continue to be proactively governed by my Department. The programme for Government contains a commitment to supporting rural communities, and these industries continue to contribute to rural economic activity and employment.”
“The industry's future relies on a strong governance platform and on upholding the highest standards of integrity and welfare, supported by a robust regulatory system. Government support is directly contingent on RCÉ guaranteeing annually that these welfare standards are strictly upheld, aligning with the programme for Government commitment to improved animal welfare and traceability. RCÉ remains fully committed to upholding the highest standards of greyhound welfare and integrity. It continues to operate an ever-expanding care and welfare programme, utilising income from the horse and greyhound racing fund for the implementation of the highest possible welfare standards at kennels and racing facilities throughout the country and for rehoming activities. The ongoing welfare and integrity initiatives operated by the industry are pivotal.”
“This includes providing supports for organisations, including the Irish Horse Racing Regulatory Board, IHRB, to ensure the health and welfare of all horses. My Department will continue to back both HRI and the IHRB in these efforts. In the context of the greyhound racing sector, the 2021 Power report highlighted that the industry provides and supports considerable employment across the Irish economy. In 2019, it was estimated to have supported more than 4,000 direct and indirect jobs. The sector's foundation is built on more than 6,000 active greyhound owners. As a long-standing tradition, the greyhound racing industry supports significant economic activity nationwide. Funding for this sector is especially vital for rural Ireland.”
“Recently, Irish trainers and horses enjoyed remarkable success at the Breeders' Cup in the USA. Aidan O'Brien made history with his 21st Breeders' Cup victory, while his son Donnacha celebrated his first win at the meeting. Willie Mullins also delivered a stunning victory with Ethical Diamond in the grade 1 Breeders' Cup turf, underscoring Ireland's world-class racing excellence. These results once again highlighted Ireland's world-class breeding, training and racing talent on one of the sport's premier weekends. This success cannot be taken for granted. The welfare of people and animals remains a key priority, as outlined in HRI's current strategic plan. HRI is committed to maintaining the highest standards of care and welfare both on and away from the racetrack.”
“According to the 2023 Deloitte report on the social and economic impact of Irish thoroughbred breeding and racing, it is estimated that the Irish thoroughbred industry has an annual economic impact of €2.46 billion. This represents a 34% increase from the previous occasion, 2016, on which such an analysis was carried out. The sector also supports approximately 30,000 direct and indirect jobs, the majority of which are based in rural Ireland. The sector has an extraordinary reputation for breeding and racing. Government funding has been a key driver in retaining this status over many years. The Irish racing and breeding industry has been shown to attract in excess of €550 million in foreign direct investment each year. Irish-trained horses continue to perform exceptionally at international events, including in the UK, France and the USA.”
“This will be distributed in accordance with section 12(6) of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001, with 80%, or €79.3 million, going to HRI, and 20%, equating to €19.8 million, to RCÉ. To allow my Department to provide the moneys allocated in budget 2026, it is necessary to comply with the technical requirement under section 12(13) of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, to increase the cumulative limit on the amount payable from the horse and greyhound racing fund by €99.1 million, to some €1.9 billion. This will be achieved by way of the regulations submitted to the House today. I will now focus a little on each industry, starting with the horse racing sector. The horse racing industry has its roots right across rural Ireland.”
“The horse and greyhound racing industries receive financial support from the State through the horse and greyhound racing fund, under section 12 of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001. Payments are made from the fund to Horse Racing Ireland, HRI, and to Rásaíocht Con Éireann, RCÉ. Since 2001, a total of €1.8 billion has been paid from the fund to the horse and greyhound racing industries in accordance with the provisions of the Act. The cumulative upper limit on payments from the fund, provided for under the relevant regulations, has been reached. To give effect to the provisions of budget 2026, this cumulative upper limit must be increased by regulation. The Estimates for my Department, passed by both Houses as part of budget 2026, include an allocation of €99.1 million for the horse and greyhound racing fund.”
“It is great to have an opportunity in the Seanad to discuss a really important issue. As Senators are no doubt aware, the horse and greyhound industries are an important part of Ireland's economic and cultural heritage. Both sectors help promote balanced economic growth across Ireland, as they provide significant economic and social benefit to rural communities. Their importance has been acknowledged by successive Governments, and they are supported through legislation and policy initiatives. Exchequer funding provided from the horse and greyhound racing fund plays a crucial role in supporting their continued development. This funding, in addition to supporting these key industries, also presents an excellent opportunity for a strong return on investment.”
“The Government is committed to continuing discussions and engagement with other member states and with the Commission in the coming weeks ahead of any final Council vote.”
“With the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, my Department continues to examine the proposals in detail and will continue to engage with the Commission to ensure that Ireland’s concerns are fully taken on board. Pending that examination and the completion of ongoing engagement, Ireland's position on the EU-Mercosur agreement remains as clearly outlined in the programme for government. The Government fully recognises the concerns raised in this motion regarding the proposed EU-Mercosur agreement, particularly in relation to Irish agriculture, the need for robust trade and sustainability commitments, and the importance of our rural economy, which every Member of this House accepts. In that context, the Government will not oppose today’s motion.”
“We value our membership of the EU and the opportunities that being part of the largest trading bloc brings. However, we also support a balanced approach that protects our most vulnerable sectors and ensures that international agreements uphold the highest standards of sustainability, environmental protection and labour rights. Supporting open trade does not oblige us to support every trade agreement in any form. This is the approach we have taken throughout the EU-Mercosur agreement negotiating process in seeking to protect our interests and mitigate our concerns. It is the approach we have continued to take as we examine this final package.”
“The Commission’s recent proposal gives some clarity on the legal structure they foresee for the agreement, whereby it will be a “split” agreement. This means that the interim trade agreement, ITA, which would include the trade pillar of the agreement, can be ratified at EU level. This can be done through adoption by qualified majority vote, QMV, through the Trade Council and by a simple majority at the European Parliament. For the QMV vote, a blocking minority would be required to prevent adoption of the agreement. This requires at least four member states, representing over 35% of the EU population, voting against or abstaining on the proposal. It is fair to say that, right now, it is far from clear that a blocking minority exists. Ireland supports open, fair, rules-based trade.”
“The current global trade landscape is resulting in member states reassessing their position. There is increasing pressure within the EU to move forward on this agreement despite the Government’s best efforts to engage with like-minded member states on this. The Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and I, as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, have firmly advocated for Irish farmers at EU meetings and with the Commission. The Government has been examining the final package in its entirety to determine whether our concerns have been fully addressed and whether the necessary balance has been achieved. We have been doing this rigorously, in consultation with like-minded member states and with stakeholders, including our farming communities, who have a direct and legitimate interest in this agreement.”
“Irish and EU farmers are held to a very high standard in terms of how they produce food. I have spoken on numerous occasions about concerns about preferential access being granted when farmers in the Mercosur bloc may not be subject to the same sustainable farming standards as our own. As Minister, I have had the opportunity to raise these and other concerns at Agri-Fish Council meetings since my appointment earlier this year. I have also held numerous bilateral meetings on the margins of the Council and, as recently as yesterday, I met again in Brussels with my French and Italian counterparts. The EU-Mercosur agreement is seen by many EU countries and by the European Commission as a strategic tool for economic growth, competitiveness and supply chain security.”
“We have repeatedly emphasised Ireland’s requirements for credible, legally-binding commitments on matters relating to trade and sustainable development, including climate, biodiversity and deforestation protections. The Government also has concerns about the preferential access being given to Mercosur if South American farmers are not subject to the same sustainable farming standards as our own farmers. It is important to note, in terms of food safety, animal and plant health - SPS standards, as they are known - that the EU’s standards are among the highest in the world. The Commission has consistently stated that these are not up for negotiation. However, production standards go beyond SPS standards and take in other issues, such as environmental sustainability.”
“The Commission has set out flanking measures to the overall agreement, focused on addressing concerns raised by the agricultural sector. These include a new legal act covering safeguards for sensitive agricultural products, a financial safety net for farmers, and stronger commitments on production standards and sanitary and phytosanitary compliance. Ireland has also sought stronger trade and sustainability commitments. We have been clear that the original 2019 text did not go far enough. We raised these concerns repeatedly. We welcomed the fact that the Commission returned to negotiations with Mercosur to strengthen the sustainability chapter. The resulting legal instrument agreed in December last year seeks to address the concerns raised by Ireland and other EU partners. These changes must be assessed carefully and comprehensively.”
“As part of the agreement, the EU will grant Mercosur a beef quota at a reduced tariff of 99,000 tonnes, phased in over a six-year period. An economic and sustainability impact assessment, commissioned by the Government, estimated that the resulting increase in beef imports into the EU could lead to a reduction in the value of Irish beef output of between €44 million and €55 million. Concerns have also been raised that Mercosur countries do not operate to the same standards in the production of food, with the potential for negative impacts on the environment, animal welfare and food safety. Ireland and like-minded member states have repeatedly raised such concerns with the Commission and pushed for increased protections for our farmers.”
“We have always been clear that EU trade agreements must defend our most vulnerable sectors and that our farmers’ livelihoods must not be undermined through weak or ineffective environmental standards in other countries. In that regard, Ireland has, over a number of years, raised specific concerns about the EU-Mercosur agreement, both regarding our agricultural sensitivities and the strength of the original commitments around trade and sustainability. In September, the European Commission presented its final package of proposals on the EU-Mercosur agreement for adoption by the Council and the European Parliament. This followed some 25 years of negotiations. Foremost in my mind have been the sensitivities in agriculture in particular, and especially in the beef sector, as well as the concerns around trade and sustainability.”
“For context, within five short years, by 2024, Irish agrifood exports to Japan were valued at €162 million across categories such as dairy, pigmeat and beef, trade only made possible by that EU-Japan economic partnership. Ireland’s economic strength is rooted in openness. We have enjoyed robust economic performance in recent years, with near full employment and real jobs growth across every region. Our action plans on market diversification and on competitiveness and productivity outline how we will continue to build resilience and ensure Ireland remains an attractive and competitive location for investment and job creation. In short, trade is essential for Ireland. It is the only credible way for us to sustain the jobs and investment our people rely on. However, balance will always be essential.”
“Through the EU, we have been part of an expanding network of free trade agreements that create opportunities for exports and investment, support jobs and growth at home, and uphold EU standards in food safety, animal and plant health and environmental protection. These agreements help to promote EU values globally, from labour standards to human rights to climate action. For a nation that exports 90% of the food and drink we produce, trade is crucial. Indeed, Irish agriculture has directly benefited from many of the EU trade agreements. As an example, Irish agrifood exports to Japan have increased significantly since the EU-Japan economic partnership came into effect in 2019.”
“Unlike nations whose wealth is rooted in vast natural resources or the legacies of conquest, Ireland’s prosperity comes from something different - the talent of our people, our capacity for innovation, high quality agricultural produce and an outward-facing economy that looks to the world rather than to itself. We are a small country with a global voice, a trusted partner known for being honest, principled and constructive. Our membership of the European Union is central to that story. It amplifies our voice, strengthens our influence and enables us to advocate for solutions that work for Ireland, Europe and the wider global economy. However, we cannot be complacent. The international environment is more volatile, more unpredictable and more transactional than at any time in recent decades.”
“I thank Deputies for raising this issue. I acknowledge the presence of those in the Public Gallery for the debate. I intend to divide my address into two parts. On behalf of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I will speak to the broader issues of trade before addressing some of the specific agricultural elements of the Mercosur trade deal. Trade and our relationships with partners around the world are a central feature of the Irish economic model. Ireland’s story is one of openness - openness to the world, to trade, to new ideas and to new partnerships.”
“Vote 20 — Garda Síochána ( Supplementary Estimate ). Vote 21 — Prisons ( Supplementary Estimate ). Vote 22 — Courts Service ( Supplementary Estimate ). Vote 24 — Justice, Home Affairs and Migration ( Supplementary Estimate ). Vote 26 — Education and Youth ( Supplementary Estimate ). Vote 28 — Foreign Affairs and Trade ( Supplementary Estimate ). Vote 30 — Agriculture, Food and the Marine ( Supplementary Estimate ). Vote 31 — Transport ( Supplementary Estimate ). Vote 36 — Defence ( Supplementary Estimate ). Vote 37 — Social Protection ( Supplementary Estimate ). Vote 38 — Health ( Supplementary Estimate ). Vote 40 — Children, Disability and Equality ( Supplementary Estimate ). Vote 42 — Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht ( Supplementary Estimate ).”
“I move: That leave be given by the Dáil to introduce the following Supplementary Estimates for the service of the year ending on the 31st day of December, 2025: Vote 2 — Department of the Taoiseach ( Supplementary Estimate ). Vote 6 — Office of the Chief State Solicitor ( Supplementary Estimate ). Vote 7 — Office of the Minister for Finance ( Supplementary Estimate ). Vote 9 — Office of the Revenue Commissioners ( Supplementary Estimate ). Vote 11 — Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation ( Supplementary Estimate ). Vote 13 — Office of Public Works ( Supplementary Estimate ). Vote 14 — State Laboratory ( Supplementary Estimate ). Vote 17 — Public Appointments Service ( Supplementary Estimate ). Vote 18 — National Shared Services Office ( Supplementary Estimate ).”
“I move: That the proposal that Dáil Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2025, a copy of which has been laid in draft form before Dáil Éireann on 16th October, 2025, be referred to the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food, in accordance with Standing Order 103(5), which, not later than 20th November, 2025, shall send a message to the Dáil in the manner prescribed in Standing Order 110, and Standing Order 109(2) shall accordingly apply.”
“We brought them out to farms and I will bring Commissioner Roswall to a derogation farm as well when she visits to show her first-hand the great work our farmers are doing in terms of the higher standards they are operating to for water quality. As we reach the endgame of our negotiations, all of this is to try to have an extension of our derogation and get a new derogation beyond the end of this year because our current one falls at that point. We have the habitats directive to address, as well as water quality. That is a very onerous undertaking and we are putting detailed proposals to the Commission right now to get the best possible outcome agreed for our farmers.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising what is a really important issue. The nitrates derogation is critically important, not just for our 7,000 derogation farmers, many of whom are in County Tipperary, but for our overall rural economy and for all elements of agriculture. It comes down to land availability and many other measures. This has been a top priority for me since I became Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. I attended the meeting of a couple of thousand of farmers in Fermoy on Monday night. I will meet with Commissioner Roswall, who has accepted my invitation to visit Ireland later this week. I have met with her in Brussels previously. I have met with her officials in Brussels and in Ireland when they visited previously.”
“We need the public to be very aware not to handle sick or dead birds but instead to report them to local and regional veterinary offices. We stand ready to support our poultry sector. The introduction of this poultry order coupled with the biosecurity measures are key measures to protect our poultry stock and captive birds.”