Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response. I recently met with representatives of the Irish Farmers' Association, who discussed the issue of the dribble bar and the fact that grant aid needs to be increased. They were saying the use of the dribble bar actually does help reduce emissions, and there is substantial research to support that. While the increase in the grant aid for the trailing shoe has been welcomed by some farmers whom that suits, there are other farmers with small and medium-sized holdings who may not have a tractor with sufficient power. It is my understanding the trailing shoe will only work with a high-power tractor. Therefore, those farmers are pressurised into getting an agri contractor. I am asking if the analysis can be concluded. I got a response to a parliamentary question from the Minister on 10 October that stated the analysis was still ongoing. However, when I asked the Minister six months ago, at the beginning of April, it was under way. It has gone on and on. When will the analysis be concluded? I urge the Minister to take on board the asks and requests of the IFA in particular, whose representatives I met with, who have asked for increased grant aid. I welcome the fact the Minister has not ruled it out yet, but I feel the analysis needs to be brought to a conclusion. Surely it is done. I do not know what is going on in the Department.

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