Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

427. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide flexibility for buying and submitting receipts for the national liming programme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46236/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is aware, on 6 October I announced important flexibility regarding the ground limestone spreading deadline under the National Liming Programme.

While the deadline of 31 of October 2023 remains in place for receipt of claims, applicants have until 31 March 2024 to spread the lime.

The extension to the spreading deadline was granted in response to the challenging weather conditions in 2023.

The programme is supported as a once-off measure in 2023 in response to the war in Ukraine funded by the National Exchequer. Approximately 38,500 farmers were approved under the Programme.

There is no funding provision available for 2024. Therefore claims for payment including invoices/receipts with proof of payment must be submitted by the 31st of October, so administrative checks can be completed this year in order to facilitate payments from the 2023 Budget.