Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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With regard to targeted agricultural modernisation scheme, TAMS, under subhead C.5.1, the allocation for 2013 was €20.1 million but the outturn was €11.07 million, or just over 50% of the original allocation. This year's allocation is €17.3 million. It is clear that issues have arisen in regard to how money can be drawn down from this scheme. Will other incentives be introduced this year to encourage engagement given that it is a particularly good scheme? Is further flexibility required to allow money to be drawn down? We will, for example, need additional funding for dairying. The allocation for the dairy hygiene scheme increased from €10,000 to €26,000. Is there a correlation between the two sets of figures? Can there be more flexibility in the draw down of TAMS money in view of the fact that only 50% of the budget allocation was drawn down last year?