The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has confirmed to Agriland that it has received reports of two possible fraud cases from members of the public in the last five years.

A spokesperson for the department said that "one of the cases was investigated by the division concerned".

"The outcome of this investigation was that there was no basis for the complaint," they said.

The department did not disclose the subject of the case.

The second case is currently being investigated by the department’s investigations unit. "The department cannot comment on ongoing cases," the spokesperson added.

According to DAFM, it is the policy of the department "to protect, implement, monitor and control all operations, schemes and measures (monetary or otherwise) to the highest possible standard, so that the possibility of fraud is minimised".

The department said that it also investigates thoroughly all cases of suspected fraud to recover any money and property lost through fraud, and to apply disciplinary procedures and, where appropriate, criminal prosecutions.

DAFM's finance division accepts reports of possible fraud by members of the public in relation to the department's schemes.

Once a compliant is received, the information provided is assessed and investigated.

The department said that an investigation may lead to someone having their DAFM payment amended, losing their payments, and/or being prosecuted.

There are certain situations where information provided about a person to the department may not result in further action, as it may already be known to the department and an eligibility exists.

Under Budget 2025, the department of agriculture was allocated over €2 billion.

This represents an increase on the 2024 budget allocation, which totalled €1.9 billion and was down by 17% compared to the department's Budget 2023 allocation of €2.141 billion.

The DAFM will also administer over €1.2 billion of EU funding in direct payments to farmers this year.