Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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678. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will indicate the level of grant-aid that is available for on farm production facilities in terms of capital grants for non-mainstream dairy and beef operations which have an established export potential; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62137/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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TAMS has proven to be a really important and popular scheme which has driven important farm investments. To date, expenditure under TAMS II has exceeded €386m. Payments under the TAMS II scheme continue to issue on an ongoing basis. TAMS continues to be a hugely successful and beneficial scheme, and it will continue in 2023 in a bigger and better way with a stronger emphasis on environmental investments.

Buffalo milk production is treated the same as any other dairy enterprise. They are entitled to apply for investments under the Animal Welfare Safety and Nutrient Storage System (AWNSS) and Dairy Equipment Scheme (DES) of TAMS II and receive grant aid at 40% and if they are a qualified Young Farmer, they are also eligible to apply to the Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme (YFCIS) and receive grant aid at 60%.

Dairy farmers will continue to be included in TAMS 3 schemes from 2023 onwards. There will also be some changes including a proposed resetting of the investment ceiling to €90,000 and proposed increased grant rates for specified investments that will form part of TAMS 3. The terms and conditions of the scheme and the investment list for grant-aided items are currently being finalised.