Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Lowry for raising this question. He has been fair in saying that many Irish farmers have moved to embrace low-emission slurry spreading technology. That is facilitating improved nutrient use efficiency, farm profitability and air quality. There are issues from January onward in terms of obligations. I will talk to the Minister for agriculture in respect of this. Under the targeted agriculture modernisation schemes, TAMS, grant aid in excess of €76 million was paid over the period 2016 to 2023 to support farmers investing in the necessary low-emission slurry spreading equipment. Grant aid continues to be available at a rate of up to 60%. The Deputy is talking about health and safety issues on hilly grounds. I will talk to the Minister in respect of that.

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