Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for the reply and the progress he is making with TAMS. I understand why he would have a closing date tomorrow in regard to tranche 2. Planners have been under extreme pressure because of the number of schemes and, unfortunately, some may be caught who have not submitted applications. I understand at the same time that the Minister wants to get to the next cohort of farmers as well, and it is important they are processed as quickly as possible. When people make plans, they are putting in place financial arrangements and, unfortunately, costs continue to rise.

I would make one point with regard to housing and slurry and manure storage capacity. I am aware from my time in the Department with the farm waste management scheme of how important it was for farms, especially in the less advantaged areas. One issue, and it is not strictly within the question today, is the exclusion of dribble bars from grant aid. The Minister will be familiar with the type of terrain - the drumlin country - we have in Cavan-Monaghan, etc. We have hilly land and heavy land which is not free drainage. The exclusion of dribble bars creates particular problems for those smaller scale farmers who want to do as much environmental work as possible. Maybe that could be considered for inclusion once again.

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