Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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1755. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the assessment that has been made of the impact on Irish dairy processors and farmers from substitution of dairy fat with vegetable fats in “ice cream/frozen dessert” categories sold in Ireland; and if he will consider protected descriptions that distinguish dairy-based from vegetable-fat products for consumer clarity. [45705/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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I am not aware of any assessment that has been conducted on the issue raised by the Deputy.

The use of vegetable fats in ice cream or frozen dessert products is allowable under EU legislation.  However there is specific EU legislation in place to ensure that consumers have accurate information about their food. EU Regulation 1169/2011 sets out detailed rules for labelling, including accurate ingredient listing and a requirement that the consumer must not be misled as to the characteristics of the food and in particular as to its nature, identity, properties and composition. 

In addition, EU Regulation 1308/2013 sets out specific rules on the use of dairy terms such as ‘milk’ and ‘cream’.

My Department carries out official control checks at premises under its supervision that manufacture ice cream and other dairy products. These controls include checks to ensure the labelling is accurate and complies with the legislation in force. Some large scale manufacturers make both dairy and non-dairy ice creams depending on their customer requirements.

There are no plans to introduce additional legislation in this area.

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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1756. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the support being provided to Irish importers to comply with the EUDR for palm oil and cocoa by 30 December 2025; and how compliance will be verified at the border and at retail. [45706/25]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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My Department is the designated competent authority for Ireland under the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation 23/1115 (EUDR).

The Regulation applies to seven commodities across all EU Member States and will come into force for medium & large enterprises from the 30th December 2025 and from the 30th June 2026 for micro and small enterprises.

In 2024 my Department held a series of webinars for companies potentially affected by EUDR legislation, across all affected commodities. These sessions were well attended and incorporated a number of presentations and addressed a number question raised. Officials of my Department have also engaged directly with companies across all commodities to answer any queries raised.

My Department’s website also contains a dedicated webpage which aims to assist enterprises in learning more about their obligations under EUDR legislation. The website contains a number of useful links to the EU Commission information notices and frequently asked questions, video links to recordings of the DAFM webinars. There are also links to the online EUDR due diligence system and test system which enterprises can utilise as part of their preparations for EUDR.

The website also details a dedicated DAFM email address per commodity (including for both cocoa and palm oil) to allow enterprises to contact the appropriate officials of my Department directly with any queries they may have.

My Department has also recently issued emails to a range of cocoa importing enterprises directing them to this website and again detailing the appropriate email address for any queries specific to cocoa.

My Department is actively engaging with enterprises to become more aware of the reason behind the EUDR legislation and the potential obligations of enterprises under the Regulation.

In relation to compliance with the Regulation, my Department is working closely with Customs officials to ensure that the appropriate control measures are in place and that any potential disruption to trade is minimal. 

Officials of my Department are available to assist our importers, exporters and producers, across all commodities, in complying with this new Regulation.

Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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1757. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports available to farmers whose trees were felled in the recent storm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45715/25]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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I recognise that the winter storms caused significant damage to forests around the country and that this presents challenges to stakeholders in forestry. I welcome the positive progress made by the Forestry Sector in the mobilisation of windblown material in forests.

My Department is examining the provision of all possible supports to those affected. This has included allowing thinning and clearfell licences to be used in removing storm damaged trees and prioritising the processing of storm-related felling and road licence applications and my Department also has advice for farmers and forest owners on its website. Further, while direct compensation cannot be paid, in accordance with EU State Aid rules, my Department is working to introduce a Reconstitution Scheme and I want to reassure affected forest owners that they will not be disadvantaged by undertaking works now. If they do not currently have a felling licence, they should consult with their forester about applying for one.

My Department is using every means at its disposal to assist in the recovery of storm affected timber. My Department, in conjunction with Coillte, has conducted an extensive analysis of the windblow situation using satellite imagery. This has been useful in mapping the boundary of each area affected.

The Forest Windblow Taskforce has examined ways to assist the sector in mobilising and processing windblown timber. The resulting action plan has helped lead to approximately 90% of the harvesting capacity in the country working in windblow areas.

I wish to reassure the Deputy and forest owners, that we continue to work hard to support everyone effected by Storm Éowyn and to secure a future for forestry in Ireland.