David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response. I wish to raise two issues. I ask him to comment on the Meth-Abate project whereby methane is set to be reduced by the addition of seaweed additives. I ask him for his views on its effectiveness and potential. What is his Department doing to support research in this area?

The last time we were here, I spoke about the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme, TAMS, grant. It is not possible for farmers who use TAMS money to put up solar panels to sell the electricity back to the grid. If I recall correctly, I think the Minister agreed that this was an anomaly that needed to be looked at. Has any progress been made in this area? Would the Minister agree that if this were changed it would encourage more farmers to install more solar panels on their sheds and generate electricity, thereby indirectly reducing emissions? I also ask the Minister to talk about the planning restrictions preventing farmers from putting solar panels on sheds.

See this speech in context