Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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845. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason farmers (details supplied) are being penalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46111/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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In order to qualify for payment under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), farmers must have an eligible hectare of land in respect of each entitlement held.

Where land has been burned between the period of 1st March and 31st August of any given year, it is not eligible for payment under the BPS. This is clearly stated in the terms and conditions of the scheme.

Where such land is claimed under a BPS application it is considered an overclaim and, as such, a penalty/reduction may apply. In each case where a penalty/reduction applies, the applicant has a right of review and appeal.

The applicant is advised of this right of appeal and the relevant steps to take to seek a review. Each case is examined on its merits and any information supplied by the applicant will be taken into consideration during this review.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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846. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a new entrant farmer who has been approved for TAMS for a milking parlour can extend the expiry date on the drawdown given that they have not yet secured a contract with any dairy supplier; if they can draw down without such a contract being put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46115/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The granting of extensions under TAMS is provided for in the terms and conditions of the scheme which is published on the Department's website.

Applicants with a 12-month approval have the option of applying for a six months extension. The extension will only be granted for structures and fixed investments where work has commenced. The application for an extension must be lodged together with documentary evidence to the online system between the start of the eighth month and before the end of the eleventh month following the original date of approval to join the scheme.

Payments cannot issue until the approved works have been completed and a payment claim is submitted by or on behalf of the approved applicant to the online system.

The suite of seven measures available under TAMS II have been open for applications on a rolling tranche-by-tranche basis. The closing date for Tranche 23 is 5th November 2021 with Tranche 24 opening on 6th November.

It is open to every farmer who has an expired approval to make another application.