Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That argument is fair enough. I will turn to the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme, TAMS, which is one of the most successful schemes the Department has ever been involved in. I acknowledge the staff involved who have been fantastic over the years. Our guests might elaborate on the solar scheme, when they believe it will be launched and where it will fall into the system. They might also elaborate on the issues relating to trailing shoe, which is a unique machine at this stage.

Contractors are prohibited from drawing down TAMS. Our guests might explain why or how that is happening. The majority of farmers are finding labour the biggest issue they face. Contractors are playing a pivotal role in ensuring farming is moving forward. There has been a real change in how we work with contractors in recent years.

The Department has a different view of how TAMS works when it comes to contractors in terms of low emissions spreading. I ask the officials to give me their view of where they think the scheme is at the moment because I think the scheme has evolved and changed dramatically over the past few years.