Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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159. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine with regard to the recently announced TAMS woman farmer capital investment scheme, if he is aware of the concerns outlined by a group (details supplied) regarding criteria set out in the scheme; if he will outline how his Department intends to engage to address issues around access to the scheme for women farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32946/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Women Farmer's Capital Investment Scheme in TAMS 3 opened to applicants on 21 June 2023, with some 260 applications submitted to date.

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.

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.