A total of 23 TDs and senators own farmland and over 10 have declared themselves full or part-time farmers, according to the latest register of members’ interests.
Fianna Fáil TD and chair of the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee, Jackie Cahill declared owning farmland in three areas in Thurles, Co. Tipperary including Killinan, Ballinahow and Ballycahill.
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), Martin Heydon stated that he owns farmland in Blackrath, Colbinstown, Co. Kildare and Aghcross, Ballickmoyler, Co. Laois.
Minister of State, Pippa Hackett declared farmland at Ard, Geashill, Co. Offaly. She also stated that she owns 50% of Moat House Farm Ltd.
Many Oireachtas members did not state how much land they owned.
Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae declared owning farmland across Kilgarvan, Co. Kerry of approximately 50ac at Fossa; about 3ac at Gortnaboul; and about 38ac at Gullaba.
Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae declared owning 100ac of forestry and farmland, along with a further 4ac of farmland in Kilgarvan, Co. Kerry.
Senators and TDs that own farmland, according to the register include:
- Minister of State at DAFM, Martin Heydon;
- Minister of State at DAFM, Pippa Hackett;
- Fianna Fáil TD Jackie Cahill;
- Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys;
- Fine Gael TD Richard Bruton;
- Fine Gael TD Peter Burke;
- Social Democrats TD Holly Cairns;
- Independent Ireland TD Michael Collins;
- Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe;
- Fine Gael TD Bernard Durkan;
- Independent Ireland TD Michael Fitzmaurice;
- Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae;
- Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae;
- Independent TD Mattie McGrath;
- Independent TD Michael McNamara;
- Fianna Fáil TD Michael Moynihan;
- Independent TD Denis Naughten;
- Fianna Fáil TD Seán Ó Fearghaíl;
- Fianna Fáil TD Pat Casey;
- Fianna Fáil Senator Paul Daly;
- Fianna Fáil Senator Robbie Gallagher;
- Fine Gael Senator Seán Kyne;
- Fine Gael Senator Tim Lombard.
TDs and senators that have declared an occupation as a full or part-time farmer include:
- Fine Gael TD Peter Burke;
- Social Democrats TD Holly Cairns;
- Independent Ireland TD Michael Fitzmaurice;
- Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae;
- Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae;
- Minister of State at DAFM, Martin Heydon;
- Independent TD Michael McNamara;
- Fianna Fáil TD Michael Moynihan;
- Fianna Fáil TD Seán Ó Fearghaíl;
- Fianna Fáil Senator Paul Daly;
- Fine Gael Senator Seán Kyne.