Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan/Monaghan, Brendan Smith stressed the importance of the protection of family farming incomes, and how essential CAP funding is for investment in rural Ireland.
By way of Parliamentary Question, Deputy Brendan Smith asked Minister Heydon on the progress to date at EU Council discussions in relation to the need to ensure that adequate funding is provided for CAP in the next Multiannual Financial Framework.
Deputy Brendan Smith reaffirmed that there must be a robust and ring-fenced CAP funding as it is “essential for family farms”, and it is also “essential for food security”.
“CAP funding is essential for investment in rural Ireland, and it is also essential for food security. Far too often, we do not talk about protecting food production in western Europe. The Common Agricultural Policy was devised to ensure the citizens of Europe had a secure supply of safe food. We should never lose sight of that,” he said.
In his reply the Minister agreed with Deputy Brendan Smith on food security in Europe and doubled down on his commitment to fighting the agriculture corner at the Cabinet table and stressed that it is really important that the CAP negotiations continue in line and in tandem with the multi-annual financial framework negotiations. He reaffirmed that cross-Government work will continue to get the most into CAP as we can because “that matters to Ireland overall”.
Acknowledging that negotiations are ongoing, Deputy Brendan Smith expresses concerns of how these proposals represent a ‘significant change’ in how CAP will operate post 2027.
“I understand negotiations are ongoing, but the proposals at present represent significant change in how the CAP post 2027 will operate. This change will have significant implications for Ireland, and for how we deliver supports to farmers, fishers, and rural communities in the next programming period.
As negotiations progress, Fianna Fáil will continue to advocate for a separate, ring-fenced and robust CAP with adequate EU funding, which retains the full toolbox of measures.
“Family farms are essential to our economy and the backbone of our local communities. Farmers are custodians of our land. We must ensure that we secure sufficient CAP funding to protect family farming incomes.
“In Fianna Fáil, we will leave no stone unturned on our negotiations in Government with our EU counterparts to deliver a sufficient CAP for Irish farmers,” he concluded.
Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan/Monaghan, Brendan Smith, welcomes over €3.4 million for 1,209 farmers across his constituency under the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme.
This comes from a nationwide allocation of over €47 million to 14,983 farmers announced today by the Minister of Agriculture. This is year three of the SCEP Scheme.
The SCEP Scheme provides support to beef farmers to improve environmental sustainability of the national beef herd and is part of CAP.
Welcoming the funding, Deputy Brendan Smith said:
“I am delighted today to welcome the news that 1,209 farmers will receive €3,485,000.70 in funding under the SCEP Scheme. This scheme is part of CAP and forms a vital support for Irish farmers.
He added:
“Farmers are custodians of our landscape, and in Fianna Fáil we are committed to ensuring farmers get all the support they need through extending existing schemes, fighting for a fair-trade deal on Mercosur, and reaffirming our commitment to the extension of the nitrates derogation.
Concluding Deputy Smith said all farmers will see payments under SCEP in their bank accounts over the coming days.
“Payments will land in farmers bank accounts over the next few days, and I would encourage any participants awaiting payment who have received word back from the Department or the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation for further documentation to do so as quickly as possible so that payments can be processed.
Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan/Monaghan Brendan Smith, has welcomed confirmation of €1,740,000 in funding for Cavan/Monaghan ETB, announced today by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD.
The funding will support essential works, including maintenance, health and safety upgrades, accessibility improvements, ICT and equipment modernisation, as well as energy efficiency measures and specialist equipment to upskill staff in key sectors such as construction, biopharmaceuticals, and MedTech.
This investment forms part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Ireland’s Further Education and Training (FET) sector, ensuring learners and staff have access to high-quality facilities and enabling ETBs to meet both local and national skills needs.
Deputy Brendan Smith said:
“Cavan/Monaghan ETB plays a vital role in education in our county. This funding of over €1.7m will allow Cavan/Monaghan ETB to carry out important upgrades, improve access and safety, and invest in specialist equipment to support the skills our local economy needs. It ensures that learners, staff, and communities will continue to be empowered now and into the future.”
The funding also includes support through the Green Devolved Capital Grant, helping Cavan/Monaghan ETB and other boards meet the Government’s 2030 energy efficiency and decarbonisation targets. Initiatives include advanced electricity, gas, and water metering across FET buildings, underpinning long-term sustainability and helping reduce energy-related emissions.
The funding is provided under Project Ireland 2040 and will be distributed to ETBs through SOLAS, ensuring resources are targeted where they are most needed to improve infrastructure, learning environments, and skills training.
Deputy Brendan Smith concluded:
“I would like to sincerely thank my colleague Minister Lawless for his work on this initiative. I was delighted that the Minister accepted my invitation to visit Cavan Monaghan and he saw at first hand the vibrancy attached to our Further Education sector. Cavan/Monaghan ETB provides excellent learning opportunities for everyone, and I am delighted to see this funding allocated to them.
Fianna Fáil is the party of education, committed to ensuring that young people and those returning to education have access to the best possible facilities and support. This announcement guarantees that people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can reach their full potential.”
Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan–Monaghan, Deputy Brendan Smith, has welcomed confirmation from Minister of State Charlie McConalogue that applications for the next round of Sports Capital Grants will open by late Spring 2026.
Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy Smith said the previous round of funding had delivered major benefits to clubs across both counties.
“The Sports Capital Programme has been immensely valuable in Cavan and Monaghan. Voluntary groups and sporting organisations have worked hard to deliver new and upgraded facilities. No matter what parish I visit, the quality of local sports infrastructure is remarkable. I also pay tribute to Cavan and Monaghan County Councils, who, despite limited resources, continue to support clubs in developing top-class facilities.”
Deputy Smith noted that while recent allocations have been particularly beneficial for the region, costs are now posing a serious challenge. He urged Minister McConalogue to factor these increases into future allocations.
“Men’s and ladies’ games in football and camogie – working together have driven participation, and that benefits everyone. A huge amount of positive work has been done, but costs are continuing to rise. When assessments are being made, I ask the Minister to ensure that these rising costs are taken into account.”
Minister McConalogue said Government intends to give every club a fair opportunity to apply and secure funding, and Deputy Brendan Smith is looking forward to engaging with the Minister on behalf of clubs in his constituency when applications open in late Spring.
Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan/Monaghan, Brendan Smith, has welcomed today’s announcement by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, of €1,233,018 in funding for 18 community projects in Cavan/Monaghan under the 2025 CLÁR Programme, describing it as a major boost for local communities.
Today’s announcement will deliver major improvements across County Cavan, including:
Monaghan included:
“This funding will make a real difference in people’s lives, helping to improve local facilities, create safer and more accessible spaces, and bring communities closer together.
“It helps us create strong, resilient, and vibrant communities where families can thrive, young people can grow and stay close to home, and local clubs and schools can continue to flourish.
“Initiatives like this demonstrate the real impact that can be achieved when communities, local representatives, and government work together to deliver positive, lasting change.”
Deputy Brendan Smith concluded by saying:
“I want to sincerely thank Minister Calleary for his work in making this funding possible and for his collaboration with my colleagues and I to bring these projects across the line.”
With today’s announcement, over €14 million has now been allocated under the CLÁR Programme this year, the highest annual amount since the scheme was reintroduced in 2016.
Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan/Monaghan Brendan Smith has welcomed the announcement of additional funding for local Family Resource Centres to support their vital work with children and families.
This will benefit two Family Resource Centres in Cavan and three in Monaghan. Focus FRC in Killeshandra will receive an additional €20,000, Teach Oscail in Cavan Town €1,777, Clones FRC €20,000, South Monaghan FRC €20,000, and Teach na nDaoine FRC in Monaghan Town €7,481.
On receiving confirmation of the funding Brendan Smith TD said:
“I am delighted that this funding was secured by the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley TD in Budget 2026. This will increase the minimum annual funding for these Family Resource Centres in recognition of the vital role they play in our communities. All Family Resource Centres will be in receipt of a minimum of €180,000 in core funding in January next year. The increases will be paid to the centres by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, which administers the Family Resource Centre Programme.”
“Family Resource Centres are rooted in our local communities providing community-based family support through a diverse range of services including family support work, counselling, education, training, advocacy and youth groups.
“I wish to commend all of those involved in these vital services on the work that they do and I hope to see the expansion of such services during this government,” concluded Brendan Smith TD.
“I welcome the allocation of 2 additional Gardaí to Cavan Garda District, 1 to Bailieboro Garda District and 2 to Monaghan Garda District.
This is welcome news. I have for some time highlighted the issue of Garda numbers to Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan. Very recently I had an opportunity to engage directly with the new Garda Commissioner and again I emphasised the need for additional Gardai and greater resources for community policing across Cavan/Monaghan.
I wish the new Gardaí and their colleagues every success, good health and safety in the important work they do throughout Cavan and Monaghan and throughout the country,” stated Brendan Smith TD
Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan–Monaghan, Brendan Smith, has stated the importance of consistent engagement with the European Commission to ensure Ireland’s nitrates derogation is protected beyond 2025.
Deputy Smith raised the issue through parliamentary questions, stressing that Ireland must continue to make its case in Brussels and demonstrate the significant steps farmers have already taken to improve water quality and environmental sustainability.
“Constant and constructive engagement with the European Commission is essential so they fully understand the unique nature of Irish farming and the scale of progress our farmers have made,” said Deputy Smith.
“The derogation is vital to the viability of family farms across the country and to Ireland’s grass-based production system which is recognised internationally for its efficiency and sustainability.”
The nitrates derogation allows around 7,000 Irish farms to spread more organic fertiliser than typically permitted under EU rules, on the condition that Ireland continues to improve water quality.
Deputy Smith said that while further progress must continue, the work already being done by farmers must be acknowledged at EU level.
Responding to Deputy Smith’s question in the Dáil, the Minister for Agriculture confirmed that bilateral engagement with the European Commission has been ongoing throughout 2025, with a series of presentations made to the EU Nitrates Committee. The Minister also noted that senior Commission officials recently visited Ireland to see the country’s grass-based farming system first-hand.
Deputy Smith welcomed this engagement and urged that it continue at every level of Government.
“Of course we must continue to protect water quality and reduce agricultural runoff, and that work is happening on farms across the country,” he said.
“But we also need time to allow the full impact of mitigation measures to show in water testing. Farmers are investing heavily in new infrastructure and better practices, and that commitment must be recognised in Brussels.”
“The war in Ukraine reminded us how fragile global food supply chains can be. That should serve as a stark reminder of how important it is to support our farmers. They are the bedrock of rural communities and the backbone of our food security.”
“Ireland must remain proactive and persuasive in Europe. Our farmers have shown commitment, and the Government must continue to do the same by ensuring that our case is heard and understood in Brussels.”
