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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“First and foremost, the cost of the vaccine is a commercial decision. We have made sure there is enough availability, working with the private suppliers of the vaccines. I am reviewing all options open to me to be able to support the sector in what is a very new challenge for us at a very challenging time. This is a real and dynamic response to a real and dynamic situation that has been evolving. We did a remarkable job keeping it off the island. I commend both private veterinary practitioners working with farmers, regional veterinary offices, and the Department to ensure the level of vigilance that was in place. That allowed us to respond in real time. The key responsibility for me and my Department is to make sure that we continue to get market access.”
“Before that, it was very much the case that we wanted to lock down and hold back in order to be able to identify it but once the vaccines were available it allowed suppliers to stock up. More than 1.1 million vaccines will be available for use this year.”
“Yes, exactly. We investigated the remaining animals in that herd and in the neighbouring herds within the radius of the farm. Some of them were found to be positive, in the sense that they had it previously. If it is the case that we find one that is positive in January or February, how we respond in January is very different from how we respond in July because an animal will only be infectious for about 60 days, so therefore they would not be infectious heading into the high-risk period and beyond. The first ten or 11 cases I am aware of - the majority - were all asymptomatic and were not displaying any symptoms. On the point the Deputy makes around vaccines, that is a commercial decision for farmers. I took the timely step of approving vaccine use once the first case came into Northern Ireland.”
“In my initial answer I said that different forms of testing have discovered those cases. The very first case was found in the standard testing of a carcase post-slaughter in an abattoir, which identified that there were antibodies present indicating that the disease was present last year.”
“My Department has undertaken regular engagement with farm organisations and stakeholders across the industry, as well as with counterparts in Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs since Ireland’s first case was confirmed. This has included multiple webinars for different stakeholder groups on bluetongue and its implications. The objective is to provide farmers with information regarding the potential impact of bluetongue and the broad geographical areas where it is likely to be present, so they can make decisions on whether to vaccinate. Where appropriate, farmers can vaccinate during spring to ensure their stock is protected in advance of the higher-risk summer months, when warmer temperatures make virus replication possible within infected midges.”
“Modelling carried out by the UCD centre for veterinary epidemiology and risk analysis, CVERA, identified that the most likely time for an incursion of infected midges blown over to Ireland from Great Britain was probably in late September last year. Its modelling suggests that the incursion could have occurred along the south-east and east coast, including counties Cork, Waterford, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow and Louth. My Department is undertaking ongoing surveillance nationally, covering all parts of the country. This includes surveillance at abattoirs, testing of animals submitted to my Department’s network of regional veterinary laboratories, investigation of clinical suspects reported to my Department by farmers or vets, and targeted surveillance in counties identified by the modelling undertaken by UCD.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue and giving me the opportunity to provide an update on the situation. Bluetongue is a viral disease that can cause severe clinical signs in ruminant species, such as cattle, sheep, goats, deer and camelids, such as alpacas and llamas. There are many different serotypes of bluetongue virus, and bluetongue virus serotype 3, BTV3, is the serotype circulating in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, and meat and milk are safe to eat and drink. I acknowledge the stress that the presence of bluetongue must be causing farmers, particularly those in the high-risk regions of the south east and the east. Bluetongue has been detected in counties Wexford, Wicklow, Louth and Kildare.”
“Control of dogs is a good fit with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. I want to get through a serious body of work this year on this. While I acknowledge the potential benefits of a DNA database, it is prudent to implement and assess the impact of better data before imposing the significant additional costs of a database on dog owners and the State. We will keep an open mind because this is a body of work I want to make real progress on during my term.”
“I have plans to improve our dog traceability system through a centralised database and increased data consolidation across all Departments and organisations that have a role in the control of dogs. I was one of the Fine Gael representatives during the talks on the programme for Government and I was a keen supporter of making sure that control of dogs was transferred from the Department of Rural Affairs, Community Development and the Gaeltacht to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine was included. This was not because the Department of rural affairs was doing anything wrong but because this area covers three Departments because dog wardens come under local authorities and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage while my Department deals with animal welfare.”
“Why did it kill them both? It was because it was in its nature. It is in the nature of dogs and while they might not show that as domestic pets around the house, they will display it in the right setting with those animals and pet owners need to know that. I am not closing my mind to the Senator's proposal but he can see that there are broader considerations around cost. This requires a multifaceted approach. There is no single solution here because if there were, it would have been resolved long before now. Effective traceability that allows for speedy identification of a dog and its owner is a powerful deterrent and an essential support for enforcement authorities.”
“Sheep worrying is devastating. Its impact on animal welfare and farming families who suffer as a result of their sheep being attacked by dogs is devastating and goes way beyond the financial implications of a such loss to their economic model of farming. It cuts to the heart of what a farmer is as a custodian of the land and a minder of the animals in his or her care. The reason it is particularly frustrating is it is always preventable. We know of instances where pet owners have been approached by farmers who told them their dog just did this and the owners say, "My dog couldn't possibly do that. My dog's lovely, quiet and docile around the house." What nobody realises is that every dog is capable of this when it is running with sheep. It is in their nature. I think of the proverb about the scorpion and the frog.”
“Through sustained awareness and improved compliance, the existing system can deliver substantial benefits for dog welfare, farming communities and public confidence. My Department is open to the potential role of DNA in the future development of the canine traceability system. However, it is prudent and responsible to first implement and assess the impact of the planned improvements to centralised data management. I am taking a measured and evidence-based approach to strengthen accountability and deterrence through practical reforms to evaluate their effectiveness in addressing sheep worrying and will only then to consider whether additional measures, which would mean significant cost implications for dog owners and the State, are necessary and proportionate.”
“Therefore, my immediate focus is on maximising the effectiveness of the existing dog microchipping system before introducing any major new regulatory changes. Strengthening adherence to the rules already in place can deliver immediate and tangible benefits. I believe that where dog owners are educated to understand their legal obligations and the practical benefits of micro-chipping, we can achieve a culture of responsibility and increase the number of dogs in Ireland that are micro-chipped and traceable. A well-functioning microchipping system plays an important role in tackling issues such as sheep worrying as clear identification helps deter irresponsible behaviour and enables more effective enforcement where incidents occur.”
“In response to the Senator’s question on the possible role of DNA in dog traceability, I acknowledge that DNA technology has potential in relation to canine traceability. The use of DNA profiling could, in certain circumstances, assist with linking a dog to a specific incident. Before any decision could be made to mandate DNA sampling and profiling for all dogs, a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis would be required. Such an assessment would need to carefully examine the potential advantages of mandatory DNA profiling compared to the financial costs and operational implications. Mandatory DNA sampling would significantly increase the cost of dog registration for owners. This is an important consideration, particularly in ensuring that compliance remains achievable and proportionate. In addition, the State would incur further expenditure.”
“I fully recognise the gravity of this issue and agree that robust traceability measures are central to ensuring that dog owners can be held accountable where their animals are involved. This week, my Department commenced a media awareness campaign urging dog owners to take due care and act responsibly in any instances where there may be a risk to livestock, particularly sheep, as we approach the critical lambing season for the sheep farming community. Responsible dog ownership, including effective control of dogs in a countryside setting, is an important matter. I am invested in making a difference in this area. I look forward, along with my Department, to engaging proactively in terms of wide-ranging awareness campaigns across relevant platforms throughout 2026 on issues around responsible dog ownership, including sheep worrying.”
“I thank the Senator for raising this really important matter and assure him and all Members of the Seanad of my commitment to improving the traceability of dogs. Effective traceability is fundamental to safeguarding dog welfare, supporting responsible ownership and strengthening accountability where incidents occur. The Senator referenced the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association, INHFA,. I was in Donegal last Thursday, which is a long way from Kerry, where the association launched a campaign on sheep worrying and dog ownership. The title of the campaign is: "It's not your dog's fault, it's yours". I commend the INHFA on its work in this area and I know the concerns it is raising with the Senator on this point as well. Sheep worrying has a profound impact on farmers and rural communities.”
“There have also been outbreaks of various other exotic diseases across the European Union during 2025 and 2026, including lumpy skin disease, foot and mouth and other serotypes of the bluetongue virus, as I outlined. Continued biosecurity and vigilance against the threat of these diseases are more important now than ever. We did not get to mention it today but in our debate in the Dáil last week, the role of climate change was reflected on. We are seeing the impact of animal diseases and exotic diseases in plants which never impacted here before. That is unfortunately part of the nature of climate change. Industry co-operation has been vital to Ireland's disease management so far and I hope we can continue to receive this support and co-operation as we work together to minimise these risks.”
“This is an evolving situation at a European level and my Department continues to engage with industry and counterparts not just in Northern Ireland but beyond to effectively manage this disease, and learn from those areas and parts of Europe that have had this for longer, because that is giving us clear data too. Serotype 3, which is what we have here, is the most common across Europe. It is not the only one across Europe. We have seen other serotypes. That is why decisions about derogations are important because we do not want other serotypes here. It is bad enough to have one. The presence of bluetongue in Ireland for the first time, along with outbreaks of the highly pathogenic avian influenza in November 2025, are a really timely reminder of the ever-present threat to Ireland from animal diseases.”
“In answer to Senator Daly's point, while this is a real worry and concern for farmers, the response to this has been relatively calm. The Senator made the point that I have not been criticised. I take that as a nod to the work officials in my Department have done. I agree with the Senator that the response has been good because farmers are reassured that everything that can be done is being done by my officials. There is real collaboration between farmers, private veterinary practitioners and our regional veterinary laboratories all around the country. My officials in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine are co-ordinating that. Working with farmers and all stakeholders is important. We all need to keep doing that together. It is as it is and we have to deal with it and try to get the best outcome possible.”
“It is an evolving situation at a European level too. There are other areas where active surveillance is being rolled out, including east Cork, counties Waterford, Kilkenny, Wicklow and Louth. That is based on modelling from the UCD CVERA work. We have many analytics of this. People would not have realised that officials in my Department were in close contact with Met Éireann all last summer. We were monitoring wind patterns during hot spells, not necessarily here but when it was hot in the UK and when it was hot in France. We looked at the wind modelling and the risk of plumes of midges coming to Ireland. That information and those wind patterns are showing where the highest risk areas are. We are actively trying to identify them and get as good a picture of that as possible.”
“Sampling cows post abortion for bluetongue where calves have been slipped is a possible clinical sign too and how we identify it in some cases. That sampling has been effective. I encourage farmers to submit samples to my regional veterinary laboratories. Low herd prevalence and between-herd prevalence makes the detection of every case difficult. We need to be mindful of that. We need to take every opportunity where there are signs. The first 11 positive cases we had in the country were all atypical. This is not simple. Not every animal that has this is showing all of the symptoms, which is a challenge. Where an animal has slipped a calf, unfortunately, in an incident where it did not seem there was any other reason, it is important to get that tested so we know where it is, because that information can help us in the time ahead.”
“Passive surveillance of all-age cattle in slaughter plants is a key area. Active surveillance of live animals in areas where modelling has demonstrated possible incursion during the autumn and has identified the outbreaks in contiguous herds. Herds that were next door to the first herd in Wexford are where the next cases came from. It is the most likely place, if it was within the midge activity last September or early October in that area. You would expect, if it is going to be found anywhere, that it will be found on the neighbouring farm. There is surveillance by regional veterinary laboratories. I pay tribute to staff on the ground who were leading the charge and working closely with private veterinary practitioners and our farmers.”
“Disease control does not recognise invisible borders. We have seen this in working closely together on the avian influenza outbreaks. It was helpful to be able to introduce housing orders together. With the proliferation of the poultry industry in the Border region, that was particularly important. The Minister, Andrew Muir, and I are in regular contact. We met in Donegal last Thursday. My team of veterinary officials and his team of veterinary officials are in regular contact. They were talking earlier today. We work on that. In response to Senator Collins, surveillance has been increased. It is risk-based too. We have a number of different ways, as I outlined in my opening address, of addressing risk, with the testing of culled cows, the testing of animals which have died for unknown reasons and in other areas where there are symptoms.”
“That is the point the Senator was making and I understand that. My officials understand the urgency regarding North-South trade. Senators Daly and Brady and others have referred to the show period that is coming up. That is a big challenge. An awful lot of important trade happens both ways. There is urgency about finding a solution to North-South trade. EU regulations dictate the derogations that can be applied. These options need to be carefully considered. There is no option without risk and it is important to make that point again, because there are disease spread implications and a derogation applies more broadly too. We are looking at every option and in an ideal world, we would work in consultation with the North and act together. That has served us well, by and large. We are one epidemiological island.”
“It is absolutely the case that the midge is the vector, if the temperatures are warm enough for that to be the case. Deer will not catch it and pass it to other deer. However, if a deer, cow or any animal has the disease and an uninfected midge lands on it and catches the disease, that midge has the ability to spread it. That is how it becomes established.”
“We did not want recategorisation because it means you cannot attain disease-free status into the future. How bluetongue spreads through midge activity means that when it gets into the midges and into an area it is very hard to eradicate. No one has done it successfully so far. Moving from category C to category D and E is significant. Now that it is on the island, focus needs to be on mitigating the risk to livestock. That was why I licensed the use of vaccines once we had our first cases in Northern Ireland. I did not wait for it to come here. I wanted to give time and notice for it. The Senator also asked about the spread and what will happen if it gets into the deer population. To be clear, this disease does not spread from animal to animal.”
“They are Syvazul BTV 3, Bluevac-3 and Bultavo 3. Bultavo 3 is the most popular vaccine. Officials will provide in writing details on the availability of other vaccines. As of 18 February, 88 PVP licences for vaccines had been processed. There has been some take-up to date. Senator Paul Daly raised a number of important points and questions. He raised many points I agree with around targeted surveillance and said that the briefing of the information is important. Unfortunately, no other member state has had success in eradicating the bluetongue virus to date. That was reflected in the recategorisation. The Senator asked what opportunity this provides for us. Senator Brady also touched on the point. Being honest, when we were free of bluetongue we did not want it.”
“We are aware that there are positives out there that we may not have identified because we are in the lower risk period. The focus is to identify the broad geographical areas where bluetongue is present. This information will assist farmers in making the decision to vaccinate. To vaccinate or not is a commercial decision. There is also cost involved for the individual farmer. In addition, the likelihood and risk of the disease being prevalent in your area is a contributing factor to that decision. I thank Senator Boyhan for his comments. I wholeheartedly agree that communication is very important in respect of bluetongue. There are three vaccine licensed, to answer his specific question. He has put me on the spot here and is going to make me try to pronounce these vaccines, which is not simple.”
“That is a real risk for us. Senator Kyne also raised questions around vaccination. It is a decision for each farmer, in consultation with his or her vet. Modelling by University College Dublin, UCD, has identified the higher risk counties for disease incursion and we are doing more active surveillance in those areas. The Senator also asked about the culled cow scheme, which covers all of the Republic of Ireland. He also asked about animals that test positive. It is important to bear in mind that when animals tests positive for the bluetongue virus, they are infectious for approximately 60 days. Animals that tested positive in early January or February are not going to be positive by the time midge activity can pass it on. We are in the low incidence period within herds and it is difficult to identify all the positives.”
“In the epidemiological testing and efforts that have taken place, no commonality has been found between the Wicklow and Wexford strains. Louth is obviously closer to where the first instances occurred in Northern Ireland. The information available to us is that it takes very specific environmental conditions for a plume of midges to successfully cross the Irish Sea but the sense is that what happened in Wexford most likely came over from the UK rather than down from the North because it is such a jump in geographical area. We have seen that those conditions can occur and provide encouragement to BTV-3. Given the high concentration of bluetongue cases in the south east, Great Britain is the most likely source. It is not unlikely that there will be additional incursions of infected midges into the Republic later this year.”
“If we agree to apply a derogation for the movement of animals across the Border, it would apply to all member states. The incidences and the levels of infection disease across Europe are very different to those here. It is much more established there. That is an issue we must bear in mind. A derogation would mean that other animals could move here and we could have significant disease consequences and outcomes out of that. We are considering all of the derogation options allowed under the EU regulations. As I said, the disease situation is very different in member states on the Continent and we must bear that in mind. This is not just between us and Northern Ireland. Senator Kyne raised a number of questions, in particular about Wexford and Wicklow. He asked was there any commonality or linkage between those areas.”
“Only last Thursday, I was in Donegal and met the Minister of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs of Northern Ireland, Andrew Muir MLA, as we announced an €11.7 million investment from my Department and under the shared island initiative, and a cross-Border pilot project, between Donegal and Derry, piloting new measures and doing some research projects around bovine TB. We have seen from the success in New Zealand at driving down instances of bovine TB that regionalisation approaches have worked really well. That will be a key project. The Minister and I discussed at length the impact on trade. It is important we understand when we talk about derogations that there is no derogation to trade that is not without risk. A derogation in relation to this issue is not just between us and Northern Ireland.”
“It is a commercial decision. This is, as I said, a trade virus - a production virus, if you like - in that it impacts trade and business decisions. It obviously impacts the health of the animal that gets it but there are no human health or food safety concerns, as we have reiterated. However, as the decision around vaccine has a number of contributing factors, it is a decision to be made by a farmer with the advice of his or her PVP. The aim of the vaccine is to protect against potential infection in 2026 and, therefore, to reduce its impact in spring 2027 and to stop that cumulative effect. Nearly every Senator mentioned the impact on cross-Border trade. We are acutely aware of that.”
“Officials in my Department have done a remarkable job in keeping bluetongue off the island before now and in having a clear plan and preparing for if and when it arose. They have interacted with and reassured private veterinary practitioners, PVPs, and farmers. We saw with the outbreak of avian influenza how a co-ordinated approach across all sectors, including the staff in our regional veterinary offices around the country, can play a key role in reassuring farmers of the points that have been made. I thank my colleagues for their endeavours and help with the communication piece. Senator Brady raised a number of points. The advice to people is to discuss the vaccine with their veterinary practitioner. This is not a one-size-fits-all solution and a tailored approach is required. It must work right for the individual.”
“That allows us to communicate. I have no doubt but that the agricultural media, in particular, will be following the debate here as they did the debate in the Dáil Chamber last week. The media will report the points that have been made. Getting clear and concise information to all sides and all members of the Oireachtas committee, as I did with my officials earlier, has been helpful. We want to disseminate clear information and take away the fear. This is a new scenario for farmers but one that is not surprising. We have watched the spread of the disease. Not to dwell on the point, but when Senator Paul Daly was praising me, I felt there was a kick to come somewhere. I thank him for his comments. I pay tribute to the teams of staff and people who have worked on this issue.”
“I thank colleagues for raising a variety of different points. I am going to make a little room. We were making notes as we went along. I will endeavour to get to everyone's questions and respond to the different points that were raised. Points that have been raised regarding the confirmation of the presence of bluetongue serotype 3, BTV-3, in Ireland. It poses a not insignificant challenge for us. I remain acutely aware of how worrying this is for farmers. All colleagues across the House have highlighted that. That is especially true in areas where there are more instances of bluetongue, particularly in the south east. My Department has engaged regularly with farming organisations and industry stakeholders since its presence was confirmed. I acknowledge that Senators made time in their busy schedules to have a debate on the issue.”
“In the broader European context, the Commission has recently recategorised bluetongue serotypes 1 to 24, inclusive, in EU regulations under the animal health law, shifting it from a category C to a category D and E disease. This change is scheduled to take full effect on 15 July this year and will result in bluetongue being treated as a disease under surveillance as opposed to a disease to be eradicated. This means that under EU legislation, no member state will be able to achieve official freedom from bluetongue. The implication for Ireland is that the emphasis will be on movement controls and surveillance, rather than disease eradication. I would like to acknowledge the continued co-operation of industry stakeholders with my Department in preparing for and dealing with the incursion of the bluetongue virus.”
“The decision on whether to apply the derogation and the conditions which would apply if that were done is one taken by the importing member state, not by us. I announced last December that BTV-3 vaccination under licence would be permitted in Ireland in 2026. The high risk period for infection will be during the warmer months. Farmers, in consultation with their veterinary practitioners, should consider whether the use of BTV-3 vaccines during the spring to protect their stock in advance of any midge-borne virus spread during those warmer months is appropriate for them. There are three different vaccines available, though none as yet has an established duration of immunity.”
“The conditions for the agreed animal health certificates under which cattle and sheep can move to Northern Ireland for breeding and production can no longer be met due to bluetongue. In addition, the conditions to meet certification requirements for movement to Great Britain cannot currently be met either. Some importing member states have chosen to apply derogations to these conditions, thereby allowing the inward movement of cattle and sheep from countries with BTV-3, such as Ireland, subject to certain additional requirements decided by those member states. No such derogations are in place in respect of Northern Ireland and therefore, the movement of cattle and sheep for breeding and production from Ireland to Northern Ireland cannot currently take place.”
“My Department is working to renegotiate veterinary health certificates, VHCs, to facilitate ongoing trade, which has been impacted by the loss of freedom from bluetongue, including live animal exports. Much progress has made this area but work is ongoing in respect of some markets. I am happy to report that on 18 February, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency agreed an interim trade certificate with Ireland, which will allow dairy exports to resume. This follows previous success in securing resumed access for hides and skins to the Chinese market. The detection of bluetongue in Ireland has created challenges for intracommunity trade in cattle and sheep and is of particular concern to farmers in respect of the movement of calves and movements for breeding and production to Northern Ireland.”
“While animal movement controls may be required if the circumstances indicate it, based on the information currently available the veterinary epidemiological risk assessment is that animal movement controls are not necessary currently and it is not expected that this will change. My Department has undertaken regular engagement with farm organisations and stakeholders across the industry, as well as with my counterparts in Northern Ireland, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, since Ireland's first case was confirmed. Ireland has now lost its disease-free status for bluetongue. This has certain ramifications for trade, predominately for the movement of live animals and germinal products in the EU and third countries.”
“It is conjectured that the incursion was caused by infected midges blowing over to Ireland from areas of Great Britain where bluetongue virus, BTV-3, was present. The dispersion modelling undertaken by the UCD centre for veterinary epidemiology and risk analysis, CVERA, identified that the time most likely to experience such an incursion would have been late September 2025. My Department is undertaking ongoing national surveillance nationally, covering all parts of the country. This includes the culled cow blood testing programme, the testing of animals submitted to my Department's network of regional veterinary labs, the investigation of clinical suspects reported to my Department by farmers or vets and targeted surveillance in counties identified by the modelling carried out by UCD.”
“I appreciate the efforts of colleagues in reiterating that message in any of their future engagements. I want to acknowledge the stress that the presence of bluetongue must cause to farmers generally, especially in the south-east and east. Bluetongue is spread by infected biting midges, as Senators are aware, many of which are found throughout the island of Ireland. The high risk period for the spread of bluetongue is when temperatures are warmer, between April and November, where it is consistently north of 12°C. Thankfully, given the temperatures this time of the year the disease cannot be spread by midges. It is fair to say that how we would respond to the first outbreak in January is very different to how we would respond to one in July, something I can go into in more detail in my reply or in a supplementary follow-up.”
“A further infection was detected two weeks ago in a bovine that had been in a number of counties during the possible infection period. Investigations are ongoing into that case. Last week, two additional cases of bluetongue were detected, one of them in County Wicklow and the other in County Louth. While this is an unwelcome development, it is not unexpected as the virus has been spreading across Europe and Great Britain in recent years and was found in Northern Ireland in December 2025. It is important to emphasise that there are no human health risks associated with bluetongue. It does not affect human health or food safety, and meat and milk from infected animals are safe to eat and drink. My Department has made extensive efforts to communicate that clearly to the general public.”
“I thank Senators for putting this really important issue on the business of the Seanad today. I am delighted to have the opportunity to engage with the Upper House on the dynamic situation regarding bluetongue in Ireland. As colleagues know, bluetongue is a viral disease, caused by the bluetongue virus, that can result in severe clinical symptoms in ruminant species, including cattle, sheep, goats, deer and camelids such as alpacas and llamas. There are different serotypes of the bluetongue virus, the most common found in Europe being serotypes 1, 3, 4 and 8. Since the first detection of bluetongue serotype 3 in Ireland, which was in County Wexford on 22 January, infection has been detected in five more cattle herds in that county.”
“I again thank the Ceann Comhairle's office for facilitating these important debates. I am happy to hand over to the Minister of State, Deputy Dooley. I apologise in advance that I cannot stay for the entirety of the debate due to commitments in the Seanad shortly. I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle's office also for facilitating this important debate.”
“It is also tasked with developing a framework of measures to respond to these challenges. The Food Vision seafood sector group's membership includes industry representatives and relevant Departments and State agencies. Our aim is to draw on the collective experience and expertise of industry stakeholders to identify practical supports and develop a framework of both short- and long-term measures to help the sector navigate these challenges effectively. Solutions to be considered are in areas such as improving competitiveness and efficiency, developing existing market opportunities and considering areas where the sector can innovate. The group, which held its first meeting last week, is chaired by Michael Berkery. Mr. Berkery has been tasked with drafting a chairman’s report by June.”
“Food Vision 2030 is my Department’s strategy to position Ireland’s agrifood sector as a world leader in sustainable food systems. Our fishermen and fisherwomen and our aquaculture producers are fundamental to delivering on that strategy. While my Department has adopted the strategy, it belongs to all of the stakeholders who engaged in drawing it up at the very start. The establishment of the Food Vision seafood sector group signals the seriousness with which we intend to address the challenges facing our catching sector, both inshore and offshore, our aquaculture operators, our co-operatives and our processing sector. The group will consider the challenges facing all three components of the Irish seafood sector: catch fisheries, aquaculture and seafood processing.”
“Notwithstanding these investments, I recognise that our fishing and seafood sector must be additionally supported through this very difficult time. Given the level of the challenge we are facing, a whole-of-government approach is required for an effective response. Along with the Minister of State, Deputy Dooley, I have committed to engaging with colleagues across Government to assess what framework of supports may be available to the seafood sector and to explore options within the constraints of both EU and national Exchequer funding and the relevant EU and national legislation, taking particular account of the constraints imposed by EU state aid rules for the fisheries sector. To facilitate this cross-governmental approach, the Minister of State and I established a seafood sector group under the auspices of Food Vision 2030.”
“My Department will continue to provide a range of supports and services to the Irish fleet under Ireland's €258 million seafood development programme, which is co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Commission under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund 2021-2027. In addition, last week, the Minister of State and I announced the 2026 fishery harbour and coastal infrastructure development fund, which allocates €27 million for capital projects in Ireland’s publicly owned harbours. This funding will support critical works across the six State-owned fishery harbour centres, improving safety, operational efficiency, environmental performance and climate resilience, thereby ensuring they continue to serve and support our seafood sector and coastal communities.”