Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There is a young farmer category. Under this, a young farmer will get a grant rate of 60% as opposed to 40%, which is the standard. Also, for the first time ever, I have included a female farmer category, whereby a female farmer can get a grant rate of 60%. We need to send out a definite message across the sector that we want to see women taking their rightful place as the heads of farms. The measure is a deliberate one to encourage and facilitate this.

On the prioritisation, we operated a system over the past couple of months whereby people who needed priority could come forward and explain their need for it and whereby their cases for the prioritisation of their applications could be considered at local office level. We will take the same approach for people who need this next year.

I have outlined the timetable. Approvals have started. Between now and next April, approvals will be issued across all the categories. This will meet the needs of the vast majority of farmers. However, those who need approval urgently can contact their local office and have their cases dealt with there.

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