Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I could not fund things retrospectively through the TAMS to cover roofs being blown off sheds. Historically, a TAMS grant would only cover a new shed or structure. A number of cases were brought to me. Deputy Fitzmaurice and others gave me examples of sheds whose roofs had been blown off and just needed new power lines, rafters and roofing, but the rest of the structure was sound. I have instructed my officials to allow for that in future elements. These are the learnings from Storm Éowyn. The back-up generators are to make sure our farms are future-proofed for people who are without power for a considerable time.

If there is another significant storm this winter, the 1,945 farmers who applied will be better placed to face the next storm. In future tranches, we will be able to have the cover for sheds that are structurally sound but where the roof has been blown off. We hope we do not get many storms such as that one, but we have to prepare for them. This was highlighted to me as something that was missing in the TAMS system and that I would love to address.