2636. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the additional expenditure that would be required in Budget 2027 to ensure that increased participation in the national beef welfare scheme, straw incorporation measure, national sheep welfare scheme and other demand-led agricultural schemes does not result in reduced payment rates or the exclusion of otherwise eligible applicants; whether he has submitted the necessary funding requirements to the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform and Digitalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58186/26]

Officials in my Department have commenced preparations for Budget 2027 and, as part of this process, I have held meetings with the farming organisations in relation to their budgetary proposals.

In the coming weeks both I and my officials will engage extensively with Minister Harris and Minister Chambers and their officials regarding all aspects of my Department's budget ask for 2027.

I will make every effort to secure a strong budget for my Department that will ensure the continuation of meaningful supports for the agri-food sector next year.