Robert O'Donoghue

Labour Party · Dublin Fingal West

Activity on Agriculture — 130 events (8 lobbying · 122 questions · 0 votes) full profile →

• 2026-04-14
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the level of stocks of fertilisers are available in Ireland in the event of disruption to international supply chains; the supports in place to ensure adequate suppliers of fertiliser to Irish agriculture; if supplies are being actively monitored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24404/26]
• 2026-04-14
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has assessed or considered the creation of a national strategic fertiliser reserve that would ensure adequate supplies are available to farmers in Ireland in the event of global supply chain disruption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24405/26]
• 2026-04-14
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action his Department intends to take following the EPA early insights nitrogen indicators report showing that nitrogen levels in rivers rose by 10% in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24406/26]
• 2026-04-14
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of recent footage circulating on social media which appears to show greyhounds being kept in conditions giving rise to serious animal welfare concerns at a premises (details supplied); whether his Department has initiated a formal investigation into this matter; the timeline for any such investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25224/26]
• 2026-03-24
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has approved the loading of approximately 5,000 cattle at Greenore Port onto the livestock vessel MV Saleh scheduled to arrive on or about 10 March 2026; the destination country for these cattle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21966/26]
• 2026-03-24
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department is aware that the livestock vessel MV Saleh (details supplied) has recently transported cattle shipments primarily to Israel; whether the Department expects the cattle being loaded in Greenore Port to be exported to that destination; whether any conditions have been attached to the export licence in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21967/26]
• 2026-03-24
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm that the MV Saleh has the capacity to transport up to 5,000 cattle; whether this represents the largest livestock export shipment to depart from Ireland to date; the additional welfare oversight measures that will be in place given the scale of the consignment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21968/26]
• 2026-03-24
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the specific animal welfare inspections, veterinary supervision, and stocking density requirements that will apply to the transport of cattle on the MV Saleh; whether Department officials will be present during loading at Greenore Port; and how compliance with EU animal transport regulations will be monitored during the voyage, given the livestock vessel was delayed by a week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21969/26]
• 2026-03-24
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether he has considered the appropriateness of permitting the export of live cattle to the Middle East region at a time when charter aircraft are reportedly being organised to repatriate Irish citizens from the region; if he will outline the Government's policy considerations in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21970/26]
• 2026-03-24
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether the Department intends to review Ireland's policy on long-distance live animal exports following the proposed shipment of up to 5,000 cattle on the MV Saleh; if he will outline plans to strengthen oversight or introduce further restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21971/26]
• 2026-03-19
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in light of warnings from EU farm organisations that the price of EU-produced fertilisers has increased by approximately 25% in the past month compared with the 2024 average, and given that fertilisers account for between 15% and 30% of horticulture farmers’ input costs on average, the steps he is taking to support growers and the horticulture sector who are already facing severe pressure from rising input costs and negative margins across the arable sector for the third consecutive year; and the measures being considered to mitigate the impact of escalating fertiliser prices on the viability of growers and horticultural producers. [20735/26]
• 2026-03-19
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the specific measures his Department intends to take to address the growing number of reported dog attacks on sheep and other livestock, including whether current dog control legislation and enforcement mechanisms are sufficient to protect farmers animals and livestock welfare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20584/26]
• 2026-03-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are any discussions or expressions of interest with his Department for any future octopus farms in Irish waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20057/26]
• 2026-02-19
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if heifers remained in the trucks while waiting to be loaded onto the vessel, or were they taken to an assembly centre where they were unloaded, rested, and fed when they were exported from Ireland to Libya on 5 January 2025 (details supplied); if they were held at an assembly centre; if so, which centre(s) were used; the reason for the extended duration of the voyage; if there was adequate feed on board to cover the additional three days; the stage of pregnancy the heifers were at the time of transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13758/26]
• 2026-02-17
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of the recent death of a horse in a sulky race (details supplied); the current legal status of sulky racing in Ireland; if there are measures to better regulate this practice; his plans for better animal welfare regulations, particularly in the equine sports sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12255/26]
• 2026-02-12
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the dedicated livestock vessel used to transport the 117 pregnant heifers exported from Ireland to Libya on 5 January 2025, including the name of the vessel on which the animals were shipped from Spain; whether this vessel will be authorised for use from Ireland under Irish and EU animal welfare and transport standards; the total duration of the sea journey from Spain to Libya; whether any mortalities occurred during the voyage or whether any of the heifers aborted while in transit; the reason his Department discharged its responsibilities under EC Regulation No. 1/2005, which provides that the competent authority responsible for animal welfare and export health certification to a third country is the member State in which the export health certification is completed and approved, notwithstanding transit through another member State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11243/26]
• 2026-01-29
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his response to a recent fatal farm incident in County Limerick involving a farmer in his 90s; and, in light of provisional Health and Safety Authority figures showing that 23 people died in the agriculture sector in 2025, accounting for 40% of all workplace fatalities despite the sector employing approximately 4% of the workforce, the urgent actions his Department is taking to improve farm safety and prevent further loss of life. [6544/26]
• 2026-01-27
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it has been brought to his attention that the 117 dairy heifers exported to Libya on 5 January 2025, at the time of certification and approval for transport from Ireland to Spain, were intended for onward export by sea to Libya; whether any assessment was undertaken by his Department of animal welfare conditions on that onward journey; if he will clarify what responsibility his Department accepts once animals certified in Ireland are exported onward to third countries with known animal welfare concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6414/26]
• 2026-01-20
  LOBBY
  The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA 2 returns AgricultureEnvironment

  • National Ploughing Championships 2025
  • Nitrates Action Plan
• 2026-01-13
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether the 117 dairy heifers exported to Libya on 5 January 2025 were pregnant at the time of export; the procedures which were followed to verify their gestation stage in accordance with EC Regulation 1/2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74099/25]
• 2026-01-13
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the journey log for 5 January 2025 Libya shipment lists Murcia, Spain as the destination; to provide details of the method of transport from Spain to Libya, including whether a livestock vessel was used and whether it complied with the Carriage of Livestock by Sea Regulation 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74100/25]
• 2026-01-13
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to confirm whether all 117 heifers arrived safely in Libya; the details of any injuries, illnesses, or mortalities during transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74101/25]
• 2026-01-13
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the route, means of transport, duration, and veterinary supervision for the 287 unweaned dairy calves exported to Libya in May 2025, including the journey from France to Libya; the measures taken to ensure compliance with EC Regulation 1/2005 on feeding and rest intervals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74102/25]
• 2026-01-13
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to confirm whether all 287 unweaned calves arrived safely in Libya; the details of any injuries, illnesses, or mortalities during the journey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74103/25]
• 2026-01-13
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the process used by his Departments veterinary inspectors to verify that in-calf heifers exported to Algeria on 15 November 2025 had less than 90% of their expected gestation completed; the way in which the fitness for transport of pregnant cows is assessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74104/25]
• 2026-01-13
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures which are taken to ensure the safety of calves if a birth occurs during transit, including space allocation for pregnant cows, and whether any cows gave birth during the recent shipment to Algeria; and if so, whether the cows and calves arrived safely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74105/25]
• 2026-01-13
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether any cows died during the recent shipment to Algeria; and if so, the cause of death; the way in which carcasses were disposed of; whether any efforts were made to save calves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74106/25]
• 2026-01-13
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether veterinary supervision was present during loading at Waterford Port; the reason animals with lameness were permitted to board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74107/25]
• 2026-01-13
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps which were taken to ensure safe transport of exported heifers from the port of arrival to the final destination in Algeria, including vehicle compliance with EC Regulation 1/2005, rest breaks; the action which will be taken against exporters using vehicles that do not meet legal standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74108/25]
• 2026-01-02
  LOBBY
  The Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Agriculture

  • Meeting
• 2025-11-27
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce a dedicated support scheme to address the significant and ongoing losses experienced by the forestry sector as a result of recent storms; the expected timeline for the development and implementation of such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66951/25]
• 2025-11-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has examined the findings of the recent research published in the Journal of Dairy Science (August 2025), which shows that prolonged periods without feed cause dehydration, hypoglycaemia, low energy, muscle fatigue, and other stress responses in unweaned calves, and that enhanced pre-transport feeding cannot fully prevent such harm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63369/25]
• 2025-11-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures being taken by his Department to ensure that unweaned calves receive adequate feeding, hydration, and rest during transport, particularly on long journeys within and outside of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63370/25]
• 2025-11-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department is considering providing additional supports or infrastructure to ensure proper feeding, watering, and rest facilities for unweaned calves during transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63371/25]
• 2025-11-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which compliance with existing EU and national feeding and welfare requirements for unweaned animals in transport is monitored and enforced; the number of inspections carried out and enforcement actions taken in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63372/25]
• 2025-11-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether Ireland plans to support or advocate for stronger protections for unweaned animals during transport in upcoming EU negotiations on the revision of animal welfare and transport regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63373/25]
• 2025-11-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his position on the live export of Irish animals to countries outside the European Union, given the serious welfare concerns regarding the transport and slaughter of animals in destination countries where no enforceable animal welfare framework exists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63374/25]
• 2025-11-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in view of the fact that there have been only four live export shipments to non-EU countries this year, involving approximately 9,000 cattle out of a total of 325,000 exported, and given that cattle prices are currently high, his views that the limited economic benefit of these exports justifies the serious welfare risks animals face during transport and slaughter outside the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63375/25]
• 2025-11-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider phasing out live exports of animals to non-EU countries and instead support the development of domestic or EU-based processing and slaughter capacity to reduce animal transport distances and improve welfare outcomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63376/25]
• 2025-11-12
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his Department’s response plan following the recent confirmation of avian influenza (H5N1) outbreaks on commercial turkey farms in counties Meath and Carlow; the measures being taken to prevent further spread of the disease; and if he will provide details of the compensation supports available to affected farmers, including the process and timeline for assessment and payment of losses incurred as a result of mandatory culling and movement restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61862/25]
• 2025-10-22
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has conducted, or plans to conduct, an assessment of the impact of avian influenza on non-avian species, including domestic animals; if there has been any evidence of transmission between species in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57548/25]
• 2025-10-21
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the urgent steps he is taking to ensure that only fully weaned weanlings are entered in marts (details suppled); if his Department has conducted an investigation into the level of sickness and mortality among exported weanlings; if so, if he will publish the findings; the measures that will be put in place immediately to prevent the export of animals at risk due to improper weaning and stress-related illness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57360/25]
• 2025-10-21
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the minimum export weight for calves remains 40 kg; if there has been any change in policy; if not, the reason calves were under the minimum weight permitted to be exported; if the calves actually loaded on the date stated (details supplied); if not, the reason an incorrect journey log approved by a Departmental vet; the reason a revised journey log was not required when the port or date of departure changed; the immediate action his Department will take to ensure full compliance with export regulations and prevent further breaches that compromise animal welfare and Ireland’s export reputation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57361/25]
• 2025-10-14
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will commit to developing and implementing a comprehensive resilience and recovery plan now to ensure that rural and agricultural communities are protected when the next major storm occurs (details supplied). [55112/25]
• 2025-10-14
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will commit to developing an integrated national food security strategy that strengthens local production, addresses food poverty and ensures that our food system is both environmentally and socially sustainable (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55119/25]
• 2025-10-14
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will acknowledge the increasing impact of the climate crisis on Irish farmers (details supplied); the measures being taken to support small and family farms facing growing challenges; if he will consider rebalancing supports to promote local and sustainable food systems, ensuring that farmers can make a fair living while supplying their own communities rather than being forced into an export-driven model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55121/25]
• 2025-10-14
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline the measures being taken to strengthen existing animal welfare laws and enforcement mechanisms; if his Department intends to engage with campaign representatives to progress the aims of Stout's law (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55118/25]
• 2025-10-14
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will introduce a dedicated funding stream or expand grant supports for domestic fruit and vegetable growers, given Ireland's heavy reliance on imports in these sectors, a situation that is unsustainable in the long term; the measures being taken to strengthen local horticultural production and national food security through Food Vision 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55120/25]
• 2025-10-14
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will acknowledge recent ESRI research showing that farmers are just as concerned about climate change as urban dwellers (details supplied); and the steps his Department is taking to support and engage with farmers who are already adapting to the realities of climate change, including the challenges of working through increasingly frequent major weather warnings and unpredictable conditions. [55122/25]
• 2025-09-24
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department was officially notified of the person who is currently serving as acting Chief Executive Officer or head of an organisation (details supplied) since the departure of its previous CEO; the person charged with safeguarding State funding following the sudden departure of yet another CEO; the persons who represented the stakeholders interests during merger negotiations; if he will publish the notification and any related correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50622/25]
• 2025-09-24
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that an organisation (details supplied) is in full compliance with the Charities Governance Code in relation to leadership succession and disclosure to funders; if full disclosure of all matters has been made to the stakeholders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50623/25]
• 2025-09-24
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an organisation (details supplied) notified his Department of the settlement of the legal case taken by its former CEO; if State funding was used to meet any part of the settlement; if legal matters are resolved when will the Regulator's report be published; and if all contingent liabilities have been disclosed in advance of the planned merger. [50624/25]
• 2025-09-24
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are other legal proceedings currently pending against an organisation (details supplied); and if he will confirm that stakeholders have been fully informed of such proceedings prior to the merger. [50625/25]
• 2025-09-24
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to publish the sanction letter and conditions attached to the €200,000 advance payment made to an organisation (details supplied) in August 2024, together with the balance paid in November 2024; the way in which his Department has verified compliance with those conditions; if there was a connection between this exceptional payment and the resignation of the CEO in November 2024; if he is satisfied that his Department’s funding was used for its stated purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50626/25]
• 2025-09-24
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied the advance funding in 2024 was used for agreed purposes and none of the advance funding provided to an organisation (details supplied) in 2024 was applied towards legal settlements, redundancy payments, or merger costs without prior Departmental approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50627/25]
• 2025-09-24
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the charities regulator report into an organisation (details supplied) that is fully completed, has yet to be reviewed by his Department: the reason it continues to remain unpublished; the point at which the public interest and transparency will be served with full or partial publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50628/25]
• 2025-09-24
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will request that the charities regulator publish the report in full before the merger (details supplied) formally proceeds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50629/25]
• 2025-09-24
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department commissioned, or reviewed, independent due-diligence reports on an organisation (details supplied) before supporting the merger; if he will publish that assessment; if any other governance or management issues emerged from August 2024 onwards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50630/25]
• 2025-09-24
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the disclosure of liabilities, governance issues, and regulator findings provided by an organisation to an organisation’s stakeholders (details supplied) in advance of the merger agreement; and if his Department is satisfied that all stakeholders had a clear and transparent picture before the merger was signed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50631/25]
• 2025-09-20
  LOBBY
  Macra na Feirme Agriculture

  • Macra's prebudget document launch and lobby day
• 2025-09-20
  LOBBY
  Dogs Trust Agriculture

  • Meeting to discuss dog welfare policy and control
• 2025-09-19
  LOBBY
  Edelman Ireland Agriculture

  • Attendance at meeting to discuss dog welfare policy and control
• 2025-09-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the arrangements that are in place to ensure that regional ISPCA facilities, such as the Donegal Animal Rehabilitation Centre, are safeguarded under the new National SPCA structure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49460/25]
• 2025-09-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the rollout of the badger BCG vaccination programme as part of the national bovine TB eradication strategy; the number of badgers vaccinated in each of the past three years; the number culled over the same period; the geographic areas where vaccination is currently taking place; the expected timeline for vaccination to replace culling as the principal wildlife control measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49461/25]
• 2025-09-17
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there is a timeline for the transfer of policy and legislative responsibility in relation to the Dog Breeding Establishment Act 2010 to his Department; if there are any existing plans to enact any policy or legislative changes in respect of the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49136/25]
• 2025-09-08
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures being taken to strengthen equine identification and traceability systems, including the enforcement of microchipping regulations, in order to improve animal welfare, prevent fraud and ensure compliance with EU standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46118/25]
• 2025-09-08
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has undertaken or plans to undertake a review of the current legislation relating to carriage horses, with a view to ensuring that the highest standards of animal welfare, safety and regulation are being applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46119/25]
• 2025-09-08
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has completed the final review of the control of horses legislation; if so, when the findings will be published; and the measures being introduced to strengthen enforcement and support local authorities in the management of horse welfare and public safety issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46120/25]
• 2025-07-29
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide a contact list of all State and semi-State bodies connected with his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43128/25]
• 2025-07-29
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of people engaged in the food production industry, broken down by county and age demographics, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44110/25]
• 2025-07-10
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in light of the recent launch of the ABP Young Farmer Academy, which aims to support young beef farmers through financial and advisory measures, if he will outline the direct role the Department will play in monitoring or supporting this initiative; to consider integrating other schemes into national policy to enhance generational renewal efforts in the farming sector, particularly considering that only 4.3% of farm-holders were under 35 in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38607/25]
• 2025-07-09
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the arrangements currently in place for the procurement and delivery of veterinary services at dog shelters; if he will detail any recent changes to these arrangements; the guidance issued by his Department to ensure consistency and high standards across such facilities; if veterinarians assigned have experience in shelter medicine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38258/25]
• 2025-07-09
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has plans to review the effectiveness of the new regulations introduced in respect of XL Bully dogs; if he is satisfied that the veterinary assessments and opinions underpinning these regulations are robust, consistent and appropriately informed by evidence; if he will outline the parameters currently guiding such assessments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38259/25]
• 2025-07-03
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how he proposes to increase the tillage area, as outlined as a key desire in the programme for Government; when a tillage incentive scheme will be introduced to support tillage growers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36299/25]
• 2025-07-02
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of badgers that have been culled to date in 2025; the number that have been vaccinated for bovine TB (bTB); of those culled, the number that tested positive for bTB; if he will provide similar figures for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36433/25]
• 2025-07-02
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 150 of 20 May 2025, how he intends to “reduce the impact of known high risk animals in spreading bTB”; if he is referring to badgers in this sentence; to outline those measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36434/25]
• 2025-07-02
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to his statement on 24 June 2025 that “Heydon gets approval from Cabinet to address current high levels of bovine TB”, to confirm the measures that were approved by Cabinet; when those proposals will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36435/25]
• 2025-06-10
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide the costing and a detailed breakdown of the costing for the funding provided by his Department to the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust care centres in County Kildare and County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29164/25]
• 2025-05-20
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Ireland's position on the emerging proposals from the European Commission to allow payments for compliance with good agricultural and environmental condition, GAEC, 2, requirements under the CAP simplification package; if he will advocate for strong support measures for Irish farmers managing peatlands and wetlands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25745/25]
• 2025-05-20
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps his Department is taking to develop and implement comprehensive apprenticeship and mentorship programmes, given the recognised need for structured knowledge transfer in the agricultural sector and the current limited availability of formal apprenticeship schemes tailored to farming; the way in which he plans to support intergenerational co-operation by pairing experienced farmers with young entrants to ensure practical skills development and effective farm succession planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25701/25]
• 2025-05-20
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the specific new measures being considered or planned to address the current surge in bovine TB cases (details supplied); the expected timeline for the implementation of these measures; the way in which affected farmers be supported during the roll-out of these new measures; the consultation has taken place with farming organisations and veterinary experts regarding these upcoming actions; the way in which he plans to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of any new measures introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25700/25]
• 2025-05-20
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether the introduction of social conditionality in the 2025 BISS scheme constitutes double jeopardy (details supplied); the steps his Department will take to review this policy and ensure that farmers are not unfairly penalised under multiple headings for a single infringement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25702/25]
• 2025-05-20
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the concrete measures he is taking to make farming a more attractive and sustainable career path for young people (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25744/25]
• 2025-05-20
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the specific measures being taken to support young farmers in accessing low-interest loans and land leasing opportunities, as outlined in the draft programme for Government 2025; if he will commit to implementing dedicated financial instruments tailored to the needs of young farmers, including installation aid and land mobility schemes that promote intergenerational land transfers and secure leasing arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25699/25]
• 2025-05-20
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the Government's position on the principle that farmers impacted by GAEC 2 environmental requirements should be compensated based on the principle of income forgone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25746/25]
• 2025-05-18
  LOBBY
  The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA 2 returns Agriculture

  • Nitrates Derogation - IFA Spring Lobbying 2025
  • Labour Party Spokesperson for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine
• 2025-05-16
  LOBBY
  The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA 2 returns Agriculture

  • Nature Restoration Law (NRL)
  • Nitrates Derogation
• 2025-05-15
  LOBBY
  Wool in School Education and Training

  • Wool education and climate smart skills
• 2025-04-02
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the Government acknowledges the significant increase in production costs for farmers in recent years, which many can no longer sustain; and how he plans to address the challenges posed by increasing energy, labour and environmental-compliance costs to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Irish farming sector. [14131/25]
• 2025-04-02
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine given that women have always been integral to the family farm but that their crucial role has often not been fully recognised or acknowledged, if he will implement the recommendations of the report “Highlighting Pathways to Empower Rural Women to Have Sustainable and Equitable Livelihoods in Farming"; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13824/25]
• 2025-04-02
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address the ongoing funding deficiencies in State marine infrastructure, particularly in counties like Donegal, which has 155 piers and harbours to maintain (details supplied); to outline plans to increase investment in marine infrastructure to support both local economies and tourism development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13825/25]
• 2025-04-02
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine given the significant disparity between the forward malting barley price offered by a company (details supplied) of €240/t and the €300/t sought by growers, and considering the fears raised by an organisation (details supplied) regarding transparency in the pricing mechanism, if he will direct the Office of the Agri-Food Regulator to investigate whether fair pricing and transparency exist within the malting barley supply chain, from farm to final product; the measures his Department will take to ensure that malting barley growers receive a sustainable return on their produce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13827/25]
• 2025-04-02
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures being taken to address concerns around declining numbers of young people entering farming, particularly in light of financial uncertainty and environmental pressures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13823/25]
• 2025-04-02
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine given the ongoing delay in updating the TAMS reference costs, which has been flagged by an organisation (details supplied) as creating uncertainty and delaying investment in essential farm infrastructure, to provide a definitive timeline for the completion of this review; the measures his Department will take to ensure that grant aid reflects actual material costs, such as concrete and steel, to support farmers in making necessary improvements, particularly in areas related to water quality and slurry storage; and the discrepancies in the TAMS dairy equipment scheme’s terms and conditions regarding grant aid for multiple robotic milking machines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13826/25]
• 2025-04-01
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of licensed horse trainers in Ireland in each year since 1 January 2020; the number of Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board inspectors; the number of unannounced inspections; whether each trainer has had unannounced inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15380/25]
• 2025-04-01
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the controls his Department and the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board have in relation to the operation of unlicensed trainers; whether further legislation is planned on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15381/25]
• 2025-04-01
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if any public body or publicly funded body under his Department’s aegis procured from outside the EU any professional services in excess of €25,000 in relation to accountancy, pensions, architecture or legal, in each year from 1 January 2020 to end 2024 and to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15383/25]
• 2025-04-01
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board took in 2022, 2023 and 2024 to advise the public or those working in the sector of complaint procedures around poor stable facilities or the ill treatment of horses under their authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15384/25]
• 2025-04-01
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress of the efforts by Bord Iascaigh Mhara to retrieve ghost gear (abandoned nets, and so on); the amount of material retrieved in each year since 1 January 2020; how successful these efforts have been; the cost of same; whether a new central scheme for all waterways is required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15385/25]
• 2025-04-01
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are plans to produce guidelines around coastal magnet fishing; if his Department will support the removal of metal waste from the Irish foreshore while protecting the State’s interests; if his Department will discuss the matter with other responsible Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15386/25]
• 2025-04-01
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if any public bodies or publicly funded bodies under his Department's aegis are not compliant with Part V of the Disability Act 2005; if Part V applies to all subsidiaries of such bodies; whether, in cases where it does not, he has the power to extend such a requirement, either through Ministerial order or through funding requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15490/25]
• 2025-03-25
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine given that women have always been integral to the family farm but that their crucial role has often not been fully recognised or acknowledged, if he will implement the recommendations of the report “Highlighting Pathways to Empower Rural Women to Have Sustainable and Equitable Livelihoods in Farming"; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13824/25]
• 2025-03-25
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address the ongoing funding deficiencies in State marine infrastructure, particularly in counties like Donegal, which has 155 piers and harbours to maintain (details supplied); to outline plans to increase investment in marine infrastructure to support both local economies and tourism development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13825/25]
• 2025-03-25
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine given the significant disparity between the forward malting barley price offered by a company (details supplied) of €240/t and the €300/t sought by growers, and considering the fears raised by an organisation (details supplied) regarding transparency in the pricing mechanism, if he will direct the Office of the Agri-Food Regulator to investigate whether fair pricing and transparency exist within the malting barley supply chain, from farm to final product; the measures his Department will take to ensure that malting barley growers receive a sustainable return on their produce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13827/25]
• 2025-03-25
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures being taken to address concerns around declining numbers of young people entering farming, particularly in light of financial uncertainty and environmental pressures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13823/25]
• 2025-03-25
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine given the ongoing delay in updating the TAMS reference costs, which has been flagged by an organisation (details supplied) as creating uncertainty and delaying investment in essential farm infrastructure, to provide a definitive timeline for the completion of this review; the measures his Department will take to ensure that grant aid reflects actual material costs, such as concrete and steel, to support farmers in making necessary improvements, particularly in areas related to water quality and slurry storage; and the discrepancies in the TAMS dairy equipment scheme’s terms and conditions regarding grant aid for multiple robotic milking machines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13826/25]
• 2025-03-19
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has viewed the Charities Regulators Report 2024 into a charity (details supplied); if further payments will be made to the charity in advance of the publication of the report; if the €200,000 advanced to the charity in August 2024 was sanctioned without any knowledge of the details of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10858/25]
• 2025-03-19
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the purpose of the advanced grant of €200,000 to a charity (details supplied) in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10859/25]
• 2025-03-19
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to list all current trials and research under way by bodies under his aegis into the use of seaweed supplements for the reduction of methane in ruminants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10860/25]
• 2025-03-19
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports that exist for seaweed supplement producers; the way in which the Government intends to protect and develop the national seaweed sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10861/25]
• 2025-03-05
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total amount of funding provided to an organisation (details supplied), nationally and locally, in each of the years 2020 to 2024, inclusive; if audited accounts were provided for inspection in advance in each of these years; the total breakdown of the chief executive's compensation package; if any conditions were attached to grants and funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10007/25]
• 2025-03-05
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason by August of 2024 that an organisation (details supplied) needed an emergency grant advance to prevent an overdraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10008/25]
• 2025-03-05
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if any conditions were attached to a payment to an organisation (details supplied) regarding bonuses or pay rises; if he pre-approved it; if all criteria approving the early payment were met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10009/25]
• 2025-03-05
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if any funding provided to an organisation (details supplied) in 2020-2025 was used for the purposes of paying of staff on administrative leave, settling claims by staff in relation to workplace disputes, making payments in respect of non-disclosure agreements with staff, board members, volunteers or contractors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10010/25]
• 2025-03-05
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps being taken to promote the consumption of hogget; if the Teagasc research centre has carried out any research in this regard; if such sources could be developed for the provision of emergency food resources for Irish Aid food and nutrition interventions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10012/25]
• 2025-02-25
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if since 1 January 2020 any officials of his Department, or board or council members of any public body under his aegis or employee thereof, or board or council member of any publicly funded body under his aegis or employee thereof, has received funding from his Department or those bodies in excess of €7,500 to attend any executive education or chartered director education in Ireland or overseas; if so, if full procurement rules were followed in each case; if value for money was considered; if reimbursement in the event of early departure terms were agreed and honoured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7691/25]
• 2025-02-25
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on the development of the National Biomethane Strategy; the progress to date; if a revised timelines exists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7692/25]
• 2025-02-25
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of GLAS or AEOS farm inspections per county carried out in each of the years 2020 to 2024, inclusive; the number of visits commenced by arrival at the family home; the earliest time in the day for such an inspection; the latest time in the evening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7693/25]
• 2025-02-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of the compensatory package and holidays of each CEO or CEO equivalent in each public body or publicly funded body under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5885/25]
• 2025-02-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether, since 1 January 2020, any HR department in any public body or publicly funded body under the aegis of his Department has been party to a non-disclosure agreement with any staff member in relation to issues of bullying, harassment, victimisation, confidential disclosures, data protection concerns, damage to the environment, or any matter of potentially criminal behaviour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5886/25]
• 2025-02-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the combined value of all art purchased or owned since 1 January 2020 by his Department or any public body or publicly funded body under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5887/25]
• 2025-02-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of employees or the WTE in each Department, public body or publicly funded body under his aegis; the corresponding number on 1 January 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5888/25]
• 2025-02-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the scale of commonage dormancy in Ireland; if there are any individual commons parcels where all shareholdings have become dormant; what plans exist for these commons and if he would like; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5889/25]
• 2025-02-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the development of merino sheep herds in Ireland; the estimated numbers of such in each of the years 2020 to 2024; what financial supports exist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5890/25]
• 2025-02-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the development of Galway Sheep herds in Ireland; the estimated numbers of such in each of the years 2020 to 2024; what financial supports exist; and whether; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5891/25]
• 2025-02-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the development of Dexter cattle herds in Ireland; the estimated numbers of such in each of the years 2020 to 2024; what financial supports exist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5892/25]
• 2025-02-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the development of Kerry Cattle herds in Ireland; the estimated numbers of such in each of the years 2020 to 2024; what financial supports exist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5893/25]
• 2025-02-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the development of goat herds in Ireland; the estimated numbers of such in each of the years 2020 to 2024; what financial supports exist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5894/25]
• 2025-02-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if, more than 20 years after the merger of Bord Glas into Bord Bia, the stated objectives of the time were achieved; whether horticulture has grown at the rate envisaged in 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5895/25]
• 2025-02-18
  PQ
  Asked Agriculture

  Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the development of llama and alpaca herds in Ireland; the estimated numbers of such in each of the years 2020 to 2024; what financial supports exist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5896/25]