Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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391. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a late application by a person (details supplied) under the 2023 fodder scheme can be accepted in light of circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2550/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that on 2nd November 2022, I launched the 2023 Fodder Support Scheme, which builds on the success of the 2022 Fodder Support Scheme. The 2022 Scheme had over 71,000 applicants, with payments totalling €54 million issuing to farmers in December 2022.

The 2023 Fodder Support Scheme is the successor to the 2022 Scheme and aims to incentivise farmers, in particular drystock farmers, to grow more fodder (silage and/or hay) in 2023 to ensure Ireland does not have any animal welfare issues over the winter of 2023/spring of 2024. It is also a reflection of the significant increase in input costs such as fertiliser, energy and silage plastic that farmers have experienced over the past 12 months in particular.

Successful applicants for the 2022 Fodder Support Scheme were eligible to apply for the 2023 Scheme up to midnight on 5th December 2022 and my Department sent reminder SMS text messages to applicants who were in the 2022 Fodder Support Scheme. My officials have examined the relevant records and have confirmed to me that the herdowner concerned did not apply for the 2023 Fodder Support Scheme.