Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan/Monaghan, Brendan Smith, has welcomed the commencement of a number of changes to the Rural Social Scheme. The changes coming into effect from this month will allow the RSS to become more sustainable and continue to impact rural communities.

The Rural Social Scheme is an income support scheme that provides part-time employment opportunities for some low income farmers and fishers who receive specific social welfare payments. There are almost 2,700 people participating in the RSS at present, with an expenditure of some €52.6 million in 2025.

Included in the recommendations arising from the Review of the RSS that was published in July 2024, is the introduction of the Rural Dweller Pilot from this month which involves 250 ringfenced placements for Rural Dwellers who are 50 years old and over on a qualifying social welfare payment.

Speaking on today’s announcement, Deputy Brendan Smith said:

“The Rural Social Scheme does excellent and vital work in rural communities across the country. The newly implemented recommendations of the review of the Scheme will enable more people to participate.

“Across the country the RSS has supported a range of vital local services such as meals on wheels, the maintenance and upkeep of local amenities and other vital work in local communities.

Two further review recommendations have been introduced from 1st of this month, one which extends RSS eligibility to people with a defined connection to a farming/fishing enterprise and a second which allows a couple who are jointly engaged in farming/fishing to both access RSS using the one herd number/fishing licence.

Brendan Smith concluded:

“The Rural Social Scheme brings real benefits for rural communities which I have witnessed first hand. I believe these changes to the scheme will encourage greater participation and broaden its impact.  I look forward to seeing the RSS evolve and grow as a result of these measures.”

Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has confirmed that 1,457 Newborn Baby Grants were issued to 1,434 families in Cavan and Monaghan in 2025.

As part of Budget 2025, the Department of Social Protection introduced the Newborn Baby Grant, a once off payment of €280 designed to help families meet the material needs of a newborn baby or a newly adopted child.

The grant is paid automatically alongside the first month of Child Benefit, meaning parents do not need to make a separate application.

In its first year, the Newborn Baby Grant was paid nationally in respect of 49,841 children, at a total cost of approximately €14 million.

Commenting on the figures, Deputy Brendan Smith said:

“The birth of a new child is a time of great joy, but it can also place financial pressure on families. Supports like this are essential in easing that pressure and allowing parents to enjoy what truly matters, spending time with their newest family member.

“In the first year of this scheme, thousands of families have benefited nationally, with thousands of families in Cavan and Monaghan receiving support.

“Measures like the Newborn Baby Grant make a tremendous difference to families. It is vital that we continue to support parents through schemes like this so they can spend time with their loved ones and focus on the moments that matter.”

NEWBORN BABY GRANT

The Newborn Baby Grant is part of the whole-of-Government First 5 strategy to improve the lives of babies, young children and their families. This is a ten-year plan to help make sure all children have positive early experiences and get a great start in life.

This bonus payment on the birth or adoption of a child aims to assist parents with the costs associated with new family members, by providing an additional financial support.

CHILD BENEFIT

Child Benefit is a monthly payment made to families with children up to the age of 16 (or until their 19th birthday where they are in full-time education or have a disability).

The standard rate of Child Benefit is €140 per month.

Child Benefit is paid on the first Tuesday of every month. The first payment is made the month after the child is born.

Twins are paid at one and a half times the standard monthly rate for each child, that is, €210 per month for each twin. All other multiple births are paid at double the standard monthly rate for each child, that is €280 per child.

The Newborn Baby Grant of €280 is paid in addition to the regular €140 Child Benefit payment in the first month. The payment is made in respect of approximately 50,000 children each year.

As a result of this measure, in the month after the birth of a child or placement of an adopted child, the qualifying parents will be eligible for:

• In the case of a single birth, a payment of €420 (the usual Child Benefit payment of €140 plus the new baby grant of €280)
• In the case of twins, a payment of €980 (the usual Child Benefit payment of €210 per child plus two new baby grants of €280 each).
• In the case of triplets, a payment of €1,680 (the usual Child Benefit payment of €280 per child plus two three new baby grants of €280 each).

Cavan/Monaghan Fianna Fáil  TD Brendan Smith welcomes the allocation by the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien of more than €11 million in funding for active travel and greenway developments for Cavan and Monaghan County Councils for 2026.

A number of projects throughout both counties will benefit including walking and cycling infrastructure in villages and towns with a particular emphasis on road safety. Routes to some schools will be upgraded.  Planning will continue on the proposed Belturbet to Leitrim border greenway.  Major investment will continue in the Ulster Canal Greenway.

Safety and footpath improvements will be carried out in towns and villages including Cavan Town, Kingscourt, Cootehill, Swanlinbar and Bawnboy and a number of these projects will improve access to local schools.

As well as improving road infrastructure cycling and walking routes are also valuable amenities for local residents and visitors to the area.

I was glad to work along with local Fianna Fáil Councillors and residents in advocating for projects to be advanced under these schemes”  stated Brendan Smith TD.

Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan–Monaghan Brendan Smith has reiterated in the Dáil this week the need to provide adequate financial supports to allow local authorities develop enterprise centres.

By way of a Parliamentary Question to An Taoiseach, Deputy Brendan Smith sought an update on the development of workspace hubs under the Shared Island Initiative and when such facilities may be delivered in areas such as Cavan and Monaghan.

“Recently in response to my Parliamentary Questions in Dáil Éireann, An Taoiseach confirmed that a feasibility assessment on developing SME workspace hubs was carried out by Cavan and Monaghan County Councils, in partnership with local authorities in Northern Ireland, supported through the Shared Island Development Funding,” he said.

He added: “I understand that local authorities have engaged with Departments and agencies on potential options to progress this work to a further stage of development.”

An Taoiseach confirmed that the feasibility study was completed in November 2024 and that the Shared Island Unit continues to monitor progress as discussions with relevant Departments and agencies continue.

Deputy Brendan Smith also raised the issue with the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, asking whether additional financial supports will be made available to local authorities and community groups to develop enterprise centres.

“In further Parliamentary Questions to the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, I again emphasised the critical importance of enterprise centres and workspaces to the economy of our smaller towns and rural areas,” he said.

The Minister responded that balanced regional enterprise development remains a key priority for his department, noting that the Smart Regions Scheme includes ring-fenced funding for the Northern and Western region.

Deputy Smith concluded by underlining the value of enterprise centres to local communities.

“Enterprise Centres play a key role in providing workspace for start-up and small businesses. They are a space which gives people a genuine opportunity to grow their business and allow them to become as successful as possible. We must continue to support enterprise and give everyone the same chance,” he concluded.

For Written Answer on: 13/01/2026
Question Number(s): 210, 211
Question Reference(s): 1853/26, 1854/26
Department: Taoiseach
Asked by: Brendan Smith T.D.

QUESTION

• To ask the Taoiseach Taoiseach the progress to date in developing workspace hubs as provided for under the Shared Island Initiative; and when it is expected that such enterprise spaces will be provided in areas such as Cavan and Monaghan.
  – Brendan Smith T.D.

For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 13 January, 2026.

• To ask the Taoiseach Taoiseach the progress to date in providing workspace hubs on a cross-Border basis as provided for under the Shared Island Initiative.
  – Brendan Smith T.D.

For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 13 January, 2026.

REPLY

I am informed that a feasibility assessment on developing SME workspace hubs was undertaken by Monaghan County Council and Cavan County Council, in partnership with local authorities in Northern Ireland supported in 2022 through the Shared Island Local Authority development funding scheme administered by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and this work was completed in November 2024.

Local authorities have subsequently engaged with relevant Departments and Agencies on potential options to progress this work to a further stage of development, and the Shared Island Unit in my Department is continuing to monitor progress in this regard. Consideration of any proposal will be for the relevant line Minister and their Department in the first instance, with reference to sectoral policy and all relevant funding sources and potential for impactful cooperation with Northern Ireland counterparts.

More broadly, the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht are continuing to work together to develop the first strategy for the National Hub Network, following consultation with key stakeholders.

Also, the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme administered by Enterprise Ireland is currently open for applications. The scheme includes four streams ranging from delivery of major local enterprise infrastructure such as building enterprise hubs to funding for services delivered to SMEs to drive innovation and enhance their competitiveness.

The Government will continue to work collaboratively with local authorities which have supported and been project partners on many enterprise hubs delivered to date.

For Written Answer on: 13/01/2026
Question Number(s): 995
Question Reference(s): 1852/26
Department: Enterprise, Tourism and Employment
Asked by: Brendan Smith T.D.

QUESTION

To ask the Minister for Enterprise; Tourism and Employment if additional financial support will be made available to local authorities and community groups to develop enterprise centres or work spaces (details supplied); if his Department and the statutory agencies under the remit of his Department will give this request further urgent consideration in view of longstanding commitments to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. (Details Supplied) aking in to account the importance of such facilities in assisting job creation, particularly in smaller towns and villages; if his attention has been drawn to the substantial costs on local authorities and community groups in developing such centres at present, which impact severely on councils with a low rates base;

REPLY

Balanced regional enterprise development continues to be a key priority for my Department and for the Government, as reaffirmed in the White Paper on Enterprise. I recognise the important contribution made by both enterprise and remote working spaces across the country. These facilities enable people to live and work within their local communities and provide essential supports for entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs. Significant investment has been made in the development of these facilities, and the Government remain committed to the sector.

Significant funding has been provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for the development of remote working facilities. Successful projects are delivered in collaboration with local authorities and communities, with many vacant and derelict buildings refurbished to incorporate remote working facilities through programmes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, LEADER and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. In addition, the Connected Hubs Call provided €14 million in funding to almost 200 projects between 2021 and 2022, allowing successful applicants to expand capacity within existing remote working hub infrastructure nationwide.

My Department and the Department of Rural and Community Development continue to work closely together to develop the first strategy for the National Hub Network following consultation with key stakeholders. I expect that the draft strategy will be brought to Government shortly.

The Deputy will be aware that, since 2017, my Department has allocated in excess of €150 million to support regional enterprise development initiatives, including numerous enterprise centres and hubs, throughout the country via Enterprise Ireland schemes such as the Regional Enterprise Development Fund and the Border Enterprise Development Fund.

The Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme, which is co-funded under the European Regional Development Fund and administered by Enterprise Ireland, is currently open for applications. The scheme comprises four streams, ranging from the delivery of major local enterprise infrastructure such as enterprise hubs, to funding for services that support SMEs in driving innovation and enhancing competitiveness. While they operate independently, Government will work in collaboration with local authorities to deliver innovative projects. Local authorities have supported many enterprise hubs to date, either as project partners or through direct funding contributions.

The Deputy may also be aware that the Smart Regions scheme includes ring-fenced funding for the Northern and Western region, specifically aimed at improving opportunities and facilities in that area.

Recently in response to my Parliamentary Questions in Dáil Eireann an Taoiseach confirmed that a feasibility assessment on developing SME workspace hubs was carried out by Cavan and Monaghan County Councils in partnership with local authorities in Northern Ireland supported through the Shared Island Development Funding. I understand that local authorities have engaged with Departments and agencies on potential options to progress this work to a further stage of development.

In further Parliamentary Questions the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment I emphasised again the critical importance of enterprise centres and work spaces to the economy of our smaller towns and rural areas. Over the years such work spaces have facilitated the creation of much needed employment throughout rural Ireland.

Minister Peter Burke stated that balanced regional enterprise development continues to be a key priority for his Department and he added that the Smart Regions scheme includes ring-fenced funding for the Northern and Western region.

The €25,000 increase in price ceilings in Cavan and Monaghan will make more homes available for purchase with funding from the Scheme

Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan–Monaghan, Brendan Smith, has welcomed news that Cavan and Monaghan are among 17 local authorities across Ireland to benefit from the extension of the First Home Scheme. The extension, announced following a recent review, will allow more buyers in both counties to benefit from the Scheme.

The First Home Scheme supports first-time buyers in bridging the gap between their mortgage, deposit and the price of a new home, and forms a key part of the Government’s Housing for All strategy.

The changes, which took effect from 1 January, increase the price ceiling in Cavan and Monaghan by €25,000 to €375,000.

Deputy Smith said:

“The decision to raise the ceiling of the First Home Scheme means that more first-time buyers in Cavan and Monaghan can now realistically access home ownership.

From speaking with people currently using the scheme and those who have already benefited, it is clear that this support is genuinely transformational for individuals and families.”

The First Home Scheme is a joint initiative between the State and participating lenders, currently AIB (including EBS and Haven), Bank of Ireland and PTSB, with scope for additional authorised mortgage lenders to join.

Launched in July 2022, the First Home Scheme has, according to its latest progress report, provided over €273 million in support to people purchasing or building their homes.

The purpose of the price ceilings is to ensure that the Scheme can benefit as many people as possible, while avoiding distortion in local housing markets.

The ceilings will continue to be reviewed on a twice-yearly basis, with the next review scheduled for mid-2026.

Deputy Smith concluded:

“I want to acknowledge the work of my colleague, Minister James Browne, in progressing this measure. Fianna Fáil understands the importance of owning your own home and is fully committed to making home ownership more accessible.

There is no single solution, but initiatives like this provide real, practical support for individuals and families across Cavan and Monaghan. I will continue working closely with my colleagues to deliver meaningful results for communities across our counties.”

Brendan Smith TD, Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan/Monaghan has welcomed confirmation that the Chinese market has reopened to Irish beef following the suspension of exports in September 2024.

The decision by the General Administration of Customs in China (GACC) to lift the suspension is a significant development for the Irish beef sector, restoring access to an important international market.

Deputy Brendan Smith said the lifting of the suspension will help ease uncertainty across the sector:

“The suspension of exports last year created real uncertainty for farmers and processors. The reopening of the Chinese market is a positive step that brings greater confidence at a challenging time for the industry.”

He said the announcement is a reflection of the strength of Ireland’s agri-food standards and regulatory oversight:

“Ireland’s animal health, traceability and food safety standards are respected across the world. This decision is a clear endorsement of the robustness and transparency of those systems.”

He acknowledged the continuing work by Fianna Fáil to achieve this outcome.

“I want to thank both the Taoiseach and my colleague Minister Timmy Dooley for their recent efforts in Beijing, which secured the reopening of the Chinese market to Irish beef.

“Fianna Fáil is committed to maintaining access to key markets that is of huge importance for the sustainability of Irish beef production. We must continue to take all possible measures to protecting those opportunities.”

Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan/Monaghan, Brendan Smith, has welcomed the announcement by Minister Dara Calleary that An Post has been awarded the Department of Social Protection’s new Cash Payment Services contract.

The contract provides for over-the-counter cash payments to social welfare recipients, something Deputy Brendan Smith says is critical for people across Cavan and Monaghan.

Speaking about the announcement, Deputy Brendan Smith said:

“I am delighted that the essential and critical component of over-the-counter payments will be provided by An Post. Around 30% of social welfare recipients receive their payments from cash over the counter payments.

He added: “Over the counter payments are a crucial part of how people receive their social welfare payments right across the country. For some people it may be their only day of the week out of the house, so from a social point of view this is most welcome, specifically for our older population.

The new Cash Payment Services contract began on the 1st of January 2026 and will expire in December 2028, with the Department having the option of extending that by an extra year after the initial three years.

Concluding, Deputy Brendan Smith thanked his Fianna Fáil colleague Minister Dara Calleary for his work in this area.

“I would like to thank my party colleague Minister Dara Calleary for his hard work on delivering this contract. I also want to thank An Post for their ongoing engagement and for offering many people across the country the opportunity to be paid over the counter as is their preference.  The Post Office Network provides a great service for communities throughout the country”.

Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith, welcomes 5 new special classes in Cavan/Monaghan. The additional classes were announced today by Fianna Fáil Minister for Special Education, Michael Moynihan.

Today’s announcement comes as part of the first tranche of new special classes allocated nationwide, which will see a record number of new special classes sanctioned across the country to open for the 2026/2027 school year.

Today sees 168 classes assigned to 159 schools, with 5 classes assigned in Cavan/Monaghan.

Expressing his delight at today’s allocation, Deputy Brendan Smith said:

“I am delighted today to hear from my Fianna Fáil colleague Minister Michael Moynihan that 5 new special classes have been allocated to Cavan/Monaghan. Included in today’s allocation is Breifne College, Killinkere National School, St Michael’s National School, Cootehill, Corracrin National Schooland Scoil Éanna, Ballybay.

“These additional resources will have enormous benefits for students, teachers, and parents. Everybody is entitled to an education, and in Fianna Fáil we are committed to giving every child throughout the country an equal opportunity at education.

“Not only that, but the right resources must be there for those who depend on it, and that is why I am delighted with today’s allocation for my constituency,” he said.

This forms as part of a greater allocation of 168 new classes nationwide, with more to be sanctioned over the coming weeks.

Deputy Brendan Smith went on to praise the work of Minister Moynihan, highlighting clarity that for parents earlier in the year cannot be understated.

“Clarity for parents is paramount. It is fantastic to see the Minister being proactive on this, providing parents and children with that certainty and clarity going into the new school year. It also benefits schools, so they have adequate time to plan for the opening of their new special classes.

Concluding, he said:

“In 2026 alone, over €3 billion will be spent supporting students with additional needs. This will include an increase of over 860 special education teacher and over 1,700 special needs assistant posts.

He added: “That will mean we will have almost 46,000 professionals dedicated to supporting students with special educational needs in our schools.

 “I have been in constant contact with Minister Moynihan in support of the applications of other schools throughout Cavan and Monaghan who also need to have Special Classes approved and I hope that there will be more approvals for this area when the Minister makes further announcements on Special Education”, stated Brendan Smith.

“Fianna Fáil is the party of education. We are wholly committed to supporting students with additional needs and today’s announcement reaffirms that commitment”, he concluded.

Below are extracts from some Dáil debates where I continually raised the concerns of farmers and the agri-food sector on this proposal.

‘Food production in Europe must be protected in any Mercosur agreement’ – Deputy Brendan Smith

Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan/Monaghan, Brendan Smith, has reiterated that food production in Europe must be protected “at all costs” in any proposed Mercosur trade deal. In a Parliamentary Question to the Minister for Agriculture, Deputy Brendan Smith stressed that European food production must be safeguarded and that high production standards must be upheld.

“The standards maintained by Irish farmers are among the highest in the world and are non-negotiable. These standards must apply equally to food produced in EU Member States and, crucially, to imports from third countries to protect the health and safety of European consumers,” he said.

“Family farms are vital to our economy, and Irish beef is highly valued globally. We must ensure that Irish farmers are properly supported and that any beef imported from the Mercosur region is rigorously tested and held to the same standards as Irish produce.”

Fianna Fáil has consistently maintained that EU SPS standards must be strictly upheld in any Mercosur trade deal.

In his reply, the Minister reaffirmed his and the Government’s commitment to ensuring food safety standards are rigorously enforced for all imports. He also noted that in discussions with the European Commission and Member States he has emphasised Ireland’s need for credible, legally binding commitments in any agreement.

Concluding, Deputy Smith said:

“The beef sector is highly sensitive and vulnerable to negative impacts from the Mercosur agreement. The Commission has recently outlined its proposed approach to ratification, and we are examining the details closely to ensure the necessary assurances are provided.

“Pending that review, Fianna Fáil’s position remains unchanged as set out in the Programme for Government: we will work with like-minded EU countries to stand up for Irish farmers and oppose the current Mercosur deal. I will continue to work with my Fianna Fáil and Government colleagues to ensure we do just that.”

Food Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday – 27 November 2025

Brendan Smith

Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals that he will outline at the EU Agriculture Council in relation to the absolute need to protect food production in Europe, with particular reference to the food sector in this country, in all discussions on the proposed Mercosur trade deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Programme for Government is clear, whereby it includes a commitment to “work with like-minded EU countries to stand up for Irish farmers and defend our interests in opposing the current Mercosur trade deal”.

Irish and EU farmers are subject to complex regulations requiring them to farm in a sustainable manner, and we want the Commission to ensure that all food imports to the EU are farmed in a sustainable manner. We also want the Commission to ensure that food safety standards continue to be rigorously enforced in respect of all food products imported from third countries.

Along with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, who has lead responsibility for trade policy, I have actively engaged with both the European Commission and with other Member States across the EU to voice these and other concerns in relation to the EU-Mercosur Agreement.

During these engagements, we have also repeatedly emphasised Ireland’s requirements for credible, legally-binding commitments on matters relating to trade and sustainable development, including climate, biodiversity, and deforestation protections. We have repeatedly emphasised that beef in particular is a very sensitive sector, which is vulnerable to negative impacts from the Mercosur agreement.

Since my appointment as Minister earlier this year, I have raised these concerns at Agri-Fish Council meetings and also with like-minded Member States through bilateral meetings on the margins of these Council meetings. In recent months, I have met with my French, Italian, Austrian, Latvian and Polish counterparts to exchange views.

Ireland’s position on the EU-Mercosur Agreement remains as clearly outlined in the Programme for Government.

Dáil Éireann debate
Wednesday, 3 Dec 2025
Vol. 1077 No. 1

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht
Questions on Policy or Legislation

Deputy Brendan Smith

My constituent Mr. Maurice Brady, who is highly regarded for his knowledge of the agrifood sector and who was recently elected regional vice president of the Irish Farmers Association, IFA, has brought to my attention the detailed report from a recent fact-finding mission to Brazil by the IFA and Irish Farmers Journal, which has to be a further cause for real concern for the European Union in relation to the Mercosur trade deal. The Government must ensure that the best interests of the Irish agrifood sector are fully protected in these trade negotiations.

As the Taoiseach knows, this State has for many decades invested very heavily, along with the farming community, in building up a world-class agrifood industry. Our industry operates to very high standards from primary production with high welfare and biosecurity standards, exceptional traceability and sustainable processing systems. Europe must not be subject to imports of products, particularly beef and poultry, from systems that have much lower standards of production and monitoring. The proposed safeguarding regulation must be strengthened or there is the potential to do untold damage to not just the agrifood sector but to our overall national economy and employment.

The Taoiseach

I thank the Deputy for raising this question. I want to acknowledge his absolute consistent support and adherence to a high-quality food production system in this country and agriculture. At the moment, the European Union currently imports around 200,000 tonnes of beef from Mercosur countries annually. What is being proposed now is that the Mercosur countries will be granted a beef quota of 99,000 tonnes subdivided into 55,000 fresh and 45,000 frozen, with an in-quota tariff of 7.5% to be phased in over six equal stages.

The Government has been actively engaged with like-minded European Union countries to voice Ireland’s concerns in relation to the EU-Mercusor agreement. The Deputy is correct that the EU has very stringent standards, which are known as sanitary and phytosanitary standards, SPS, to protect human, animal and plant life.

These standards are among the highest in the world and are non-negotiable. I cannot give a longer answer but the European Union, in the context of the latest agreement, has committed to increasing the number of audits and checks in third countries and to strengthening the SPS controls undergone. The reports identified by the Deputy have raised concerns.

For Written Answer on : 18/12/2025
Question Number(s): 264
Question Reference(s): 73555/25
Department: Foreign Affairs and Trade
Asked by: Brendan Smith T.D.

QUESTION

To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of discussions she has had with her counterparts in the EU in relation to the proposed EU/Mercosur trade deal, with particular reference to the need to protect the Irish agri-food sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

REPLY

The European Commission presented its final package on the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement on 3 September and its proposal for the adoption and approval of the agreement by the Council of the European Union and European Parliament. The package includes the consolidated text of the original agreement negotiated in 2019 and the additional legal instrument addressing trade and sustainability commitments, which was agreed in December 2024. It also includes several accompanying initiatives, which are intended to address agricultural sector concerns. They include a proposed legal act to operationalise safeguards to protect sensitive products, a financial safety net for farmers, and commitments on the alignment of production and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards.

We have always been clear that such free trade agreements must defend our most vulnerable sectors and that our farmers’ livelihoods must not be undermined through weak or ineffective environmental standards in other countries. This position is clearly outlined in the Programme for Government, which, in January 2025, stated that the Government will work with like-minded EU countries to stand up for Irish farmers and defend our interests in opposing the current Mercosur trade deal. In our trade negotiations, we have always been guided by standing up for and defending the interests of Irish farmers, along with raising concerns on climate, biodiversity and deforestation.

It’s worth stating that imports from Mercosur must continue to comply with all EU standards that protect food safety, animal and plant health and animal welfare, as well as EU consumer interests. The agreement does not weaken these requirements in any way. In line with the ambition set out in the Vision for Agriculture and Food, the Commission has committed to step up SPS import controls by increasing the number of audits and checks in third countries, and by strengthening controls on the ground. It is vital that these standards are vigorously upheld by the Commission to address the concerns of the farming community.

Over the past number of months, Government ministers and officials have continued to engage intensively at EU level with both the European Commission and with counterparts in EU Member States, including like-minded countries, to voice our concerns with the agreement and to interrogate the outcome of negotiations to assess if our concerns have been adequately addressed. The Government has also remained in regular contact with Irish stakeholders from the agriculture, environment and business sectors, as we sought to fully understand their concerns. Since taking on the role of Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I have discussed international trade developments with my counterparts from a number of EU Member States, including at the Council of Trade Ministers.

It is important that we continue to assess the package in its entirety to understand if our concerns with the agreement have been adequately addressed. Pending that examination, Ireland’s position on the EU-Mercosur Agreement remains as clearly outlined in the Programme for Government.

Questions on Promised Legislation 18 Dec 2025

Deputy Brendan Smith

I join with others in extending every good wish for Christmas and the new year to all staff and Members of the Oireachtas. In the context of the proposed Mercosur deal, I again raise the detailed report from the IFA and the Irish Farmers’ Journal on their recent fact-finding mission to Brazil. That report again outlined very clearly how much inferior food production is in Brazil and elsewhere in South America in comparison to the standards in this country and throughout the European Union. We should continually highlight that for decades, this State has invested very heavily, as has the farming community, in building successfully a world-class agrifood industry. Day in, day out, our farmers and processors work extremely hard on maintaining our food production systems to exceptionally high standards. There is a cost on the farming community in maintaining those standards, including high welfare and biosecurity standards and traceability.

Our beef and poultry sectors are extremely concerned about the potential for totally unfair competition if inferior product is allowed into the European Union. The proposed safeguarding regulations need to be substantially strengthened. Our agrifood sector’s concerns about this proposed trade deal must be robustly and vigorously outlined and advanced in all discussions by Government at EU level.

The Tánaiste

I thank the Deputy and Nollaig shona dó. On the points he made about the Mercosur deal, they are points made by the Taoiseach, myself, the Minister for agriculture and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. Farmers in Ireland have expressed very serious views. The Irish Farmers’ Journal has revealed concerning information, as the Deputy said, following its trip to Brazil as well. As the Taoiseach said this morning, we now see safeguards have been published. We need to have a greater understanding of them but also of any additionality or further work that can be done about that.

There should not be a rush into a quick vote on this. We are continuing to work with like-minded countries that share our significant concerns.

We continue to ascertain if a blocking minority exists as well. Our programme for Government commitment remains.

Fianna Fáil TD, Brendan Smith has welcomed over €121.6m in payments for Cavan/Monaghan from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine during 2025.

The funding forms part of a €2.18 billion national package supporting farmers and fishers across the country.

Deputy Brendan Smith said the payments are vital for rural and coastal communities:

“As we reach the end of 2025, it is crucial to recognise the importance of continued, targeted support for farmers and fishers, particularly in coastal and at-risk areas. These payments are not just financial supports; they are an investment in the future of rural and coastal Ireland.

“Farmers and fishers are under growing pressure from climate change, rising costs and market uncertainty. In marginal and coastal areas, these challenges are intensified by isolation and limited alternative employment. Sustained support is essential to protect livelihoods and community viability.”

Deputy Brendan Smith added:

“In Fianna Fáil we are committed to protecting family farm incomes and supporting generational renewal, with 2025 funding helping farmers maintain productive and environmentally sustainable practices. For fishers, the funding supports small-scale fleets, improves safety, encourages diversification and sustains coastal economies.

Concluding, Deputy Brendan Smith said Cavan and Monaghan has benefited from significant investment in 2025 and expressed confidence that further supports will follow in 2026.

“Farming and food production are critical components of the local economy in Cavan and Monaghan and this sector, which has very high standards, needs to be protected against any trade deals that would facilitate the importation of inferior food products to our country.

“Fianna Fáil is committed to supporting family farm incomes, generation renewal and the fishers by ensuring the importance of their work and need for support is not understated or underfunded.