Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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585. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine why is there an age restriction for women when applying for the TAMS grant, and not for men; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24237/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The new CAP places a particular focus on generational renewal and on promoting the participation of women in the social and economic development of rural areas, with special attention to farming. Gender equality is also a key objective of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and a priority for me as Minister.

Eight of the ten schemes under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) have no upper age limit. Young Farmers Capital Investment Scheme and the Women Farmers Capital Investment Scheme are the only schemes with an upper age limit.

TAMS 3 provides for a general grant rate of 40% for eligible investments. It is also offering an enhanced grant rate of 60% to eligible women farmers, who meet the eligibility criteria.

Eligible women farmers are those:

• Aged between 18 years of age and 66 when she applies for support.
• Meet the conditions for being head and having control of the holding.
• Meets the requirements for the appropriate training and/or skills required at the time of applications.