91. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the upcoming report and recommendations of the high-level dog control stakeholder group, particularly in relation to upholding animal health and welfare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35779/26]
Sentiment score: 0.01
Thank you for your forbearance, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle. My question relates to the review of legislation for dog-breeding establishments that is currently under way in the Department.
Sentiment score: 0.18
I thank the Minister for the update. Ireland is a nation of dog lovers and dogs hold a cherished place in our homes, well ahead of cats. However, it is clear we are playing catch-up on legislation on dog breeding. Dog breeding in Ireland is a growing industry. It is important to say that responsible small breeders do maintain very high standards, but as the sector is growing so too are animal welfare concerns. The Oireachtas agriculture committee heard last month that the number of dogs being put to sleep grew by 10% from 2023 to 2024. Even more alarmingly, this figure increased by 93% compared to 2022. This is a huge growth in the number of animals being put to sleep. The scale of abusive treatment is very concerning and we need to recognise it. This is a lucrative industry. We cannot leave it to look after itself, to self-regulate and to undertake its own enforcement. We have to get ahead of the issue.
Sentiment score: 0.17
It is good to hear the Minister and the Department are taking the issue seriously and I look forward to hearing the recommendations of the stakeholder group. The set-up is a bit unwieldy though. The Department is responsible for annual inspections of breeding establishments but local authorities, such as Dublin City Council, are effectively responsible for enforcement. This creates a bit of a disconnect and a risk of issues falling between the Department and the local authorities. Local authorities may not perform their responsibilities to the same standard across the country. Has the Department considered merging responsibility for inspection and enforcement centrally, either under the Department itself or another agency that would take overall responsibility for inspection and enforcement as required?
Sentiment score: 0.16
97. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the rationale for the exclusion of domestic dwellings from the TAMS solar scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35778/26]
Sentiment score: -0.09
My question is about the removal of domestic dwellings from the TAMS solar grant process. What is the rationale for the exclusion of domestic dwellings from that solar scheme and will the Minister make a statement on the matter?
Sentiment score: 0.04
It is positive that there is such demand for TAMS 3 and all the measures in it. It shows farmers are doing their bit in terms of energy and the future. Uptake of renewable energy programmes and mechanisms is hugely positive. Putting them through the SEAI for domestic is an opportunity lost. Maybe the solution is for the Minister to get his hands on some of that budget from the SEAI and move it to TAMS. Farmers are busy men and women. They have a lot to do. One application to cover all of this is still probably the most efficient way to do it. I go back to the fact that there is huge demand. It is positive that farmers are engaging and taking up the scheme. I ask it to be considered that a bit of that budget be moved across to fulfil that.
Sentiment score: 0.30
That would be positive. I have heard from farmers that the farm home can account for nearly 70% of electricity used, particularly those who are farming dry stock. Removing their homes from the process effectively means the TAMS system does not fulfil their needs. Another way to do it might be to get the SEAI to earmark some of its own budget or have a clear heading for solar PV for farmers or a little more than the €1,900. In reality it is probably more for a farm building. I ask that we encourage ongoing uptake of TAMS and try to make sure domestic is covered in it, so it is efficient for farmers to get their entire job of work done at once rather than having to go through two processes.
Sentiment score: 0.37