Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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1753. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans to introduce a retirement scheme for farmers over 65 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20684/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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The new Programme for Government prioritises “supporting inter-generational farm succession”. Food Vision 2030, our shared strategy for the agri-food sector, states that generational renewal in farming is critically important to ensure the future viability and social sustainability of the Irish agri-food sector and of rural Ireland. While supporting young farmers and new entrants is critical to ensure a bright future for the agri-food sector, it is also important to consider the position of older and retiring farmers.

There are a number of supports for generational renewal currently available to farmers under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027. These supports are complemented by a suite of strong national taxation measures to ensure a coherent approach.

Farm succession is a complex issue and there are many factors that impact farmers’ decisions. Last October, an independent Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming was established. The Commission is adopting an objective, evidence-based approach to examining all the complex factors involved. It is engaging closely with stakeholders, including a public consultation. As part of the Food Vision process, a report is due on policy options before the end of June this year.

I look forward to receiving that report, which will ensure that we have an objective analysis of the issue in advance of preparations for the next CAP.

Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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1754. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when delayed ACRES payments due to County Kilkenny and County Carlow farmers will be paid out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20685/25]

Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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1758. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what plan there is for the 7,600 farmers still waiting for payments for the 2024 ACRES scheme, and of these, the 1,850 who as still waiting for payment for the 2023 scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20691/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1754 and 1758 together.

Following the latest payment run, 43,368 participants, or just under 97%, are fully paid in respect of the 2023 scheme year. This means that 1,492 participants have not yet had their 2023 contract finalised. 1,198 have already had an interim payment of either €4,000 or €5,000.

In relation to the 2024 scheme year, 47,477 participants, which represents just under 88%, have now received their advance payment. In turn, 12%, or 6,700 farmers, await their 2024 advance payment.

Payments will continue to issue to all remaining participants, including those in County Carlow and County Kilkenny, on a weekly basis as cases pass all required validation checks. The issues which are impacting on the making of certain payments have been identified and are being worked through. A dedicated team has been put in place to complete the outstanding 2023 cases, and resources are being allocated, where required, to ensure that remaining payments are made as soon as possible.

My Department will continue to issue regular online updates over the coming period on the progress being made, with the expectation of having the vast majority of payments in respect of farmers’ participation in ACRES in 2023 and 2024 made by the end of May 2025, and the remaining more complex cases paid by the end of June 2025.