Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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1253. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if information technology issues are preventing the targeted agriculture modernisation schemes (TAMS) 3 applications from being processed in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37503/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) provides grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings.

The scheme has proved very popular, with an unprecedented level of applications received under Tranche 1 (almost four times the average number received per tranche under TAMS 2).

There are a number of factors affecting the speed of application processing, including the very high volume of applications received and the fact that we are implementing new administrative and IT support systems.

Applications received across all of the TAMS 3 measures are currently being processed. Once the initial processing is completed all applications will be subject to a ranking and selection process, which is a regulatory requirement for all applications.

All eligible applications will then proceed to further detailed processing, with approvals issuing to successful applications once that process is complete.

To help with the processing of the huge number of applications, I have decided that farmers who require the construction of slurry and manure storage facilities, or urgent animal welfare related investments required for the winter of 2023/2024, may apply for priority approval up to 15 September 2023.