Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue of the availability of these significant supports for on-farm investment. It is of importance for farmers throughout the country, particularly in his constituency. The Government and I, as Minister, are committed to delivering on this. The new TAMS 3 commenced in February with the launch of the solar capital investment scheme and then opened up for different items all the way up to when it closed at the end of June. Overall, €370 million is profiled between now and 2027 for TAMS. The Deputy will be aware of the range of supports that is offered and some of the key steps we took, particularly in respect of new developments relating to the 60% grant aid for female farmers and the launch of a new separate ceiling for solar TAMS.

I recently announced we would be accepting 100% of all those who applied and meet the criteria. In the past, approximately 85% of applications were approved. Many missed out. All applicants who meet the criteria will now be approved. In addition, we have given forward approval to applicants for mobile TAMS investments to go ahead and purchase. Approximately half of all applications received are for mobile investments. Those applicants can now go ahead and make their purchase under TAMS.

We opened it up in order that applicants who need to finish work by this winter, such as those who need slurry storage or sheds for animal welfare, could apply for urgent approval. We received a number of those applications before 15 September and we are providing those grants in order that people who want to do work this winter can do it.

We received the largest number of applications ever. This tranche is by far the largest number of applicants we have ever had. Obviously, that has created a big administrative burden in terms of working through the approvals. After we have given the immediate urgent approvals for those who want to do work this winter, the next step will be to give approval to applications under solar TAMS and, thereafter, to step it out, item by item, to ensure applicants get approval in the coming months.

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