ICMSA query Minister Heydon on Dept’s new animal welfare powers – “Why the new powers? In what circumstances will they be used? Why was there no consultation?”

Expressing disappointment that there was no direct engagement between the Department and the farm organisations on proposed new animal welfare powers, ICMSA Deputy President, Eamon Carroll, has called on the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine to spell out precisely what his intentions are in relation to the additional powers being given to Department officials and how this will impact on family farms.  

“Is this an issue that law abiding family farms should have concerns about? We (ICMSA) fully support the highest levels of animal welfare and will support additional legislation, but the onus is on the Department to explain why they need that new legislation and in what circumstances, they’ll be deploying it. We are perfectly entitled to be very wary of intrusive legislation like this where there has been no clear explanation of why it is required.  Where is all this coming from? What’s the ‘gap’ this legislation is intended to fill? And even more importantly, what are protections will be provided for individual farmers?” asked the ICMSA Deputy President.

“Why the new powers? In what circumstances will they be used? Why was there no consultation?”, asked Mr Carroll

Observing that ICMSA has been receiving calls from concerned members questioning the logic and need for these additional powers, Mr Carroll said much concern could have been allayed if the Department had seen fit to consult the farm organisations.  

“At this stage, the Minister is going to have to spell out his intentions for the new legislation, and he should also commit to independent oversight of the use of this legislation. ICMSA understands the challenges on animal welfare, and we have worked constructively with the Department to resolve matters in the past; that’s why we’re disappointed that there was no direct consultation on this matter.   Farmers have genuine concerns in relation to how specific powers have been and will be used and the Minister should provide guarantees in relation to independent oversight of such powers.  Perhaps FAWAC or a sub-committee of FAWAC could play a role in this regard?” he concluded

Ends      18 September 2026

Eamon Carroll, 
Deputy President, ICMSA
Or
Cathal MacCarthy, 
ICMSA Press Office