Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, a flagship environmental scheme, namely the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES), was launched in 2022. There was exceptional demand for entry into the Scheme, which demonstrates the interest of farmers to take on actions to address climate, biodiversity, and environmental issues.

While it was initially planned to take in applicants in two Tranches, with 30,000 in Tranche 1, the decision was made to accept all valid applications submitted, and there are now just under 46,000 farmers actively involved in the Scheme, 18,438 of whom are in the ACRES Co-operation Project (CP) element of the Scheme. As the deputy can appreciate, the decision to accept all eligible applicants put significant pressure on the ability to make an advance payment to all participants by the end of 2023.

My officials have been working to expedite payments, but with the unprecedented numbers, it was not possible to get all participants paid by the end of 2023. There is also additional complexity associated with the CP stream, which means that, while work is progressing on the preparation of payments, these will not begin to issue until February.

I would like to reassure the Deputy that everything is being done to pay, as soon as possible, all ACRES participants who clear pre-payment checks.

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. There is an indicative budget of €370 million available for the period 2023-2027, and all investments must be linked to Climate, Environment or Animal Welfare.

Tranche 1 of TAMS 3 closed on 30 June 2023, with 8,241 applications received across ten separate investment measures. The scheme has proved very popular with this number of applications almost four times the average number of applications received per Tranche under TAMS 2. Applications received across all of the measures in Tranche 1 are currently being processed, with approvals issuing on a daily basis. Applications under Tranche 2 will be processed once the tranche closes on 19 January 2024.

In order to improve the roll out of the scheme I recently announced that, as with Tranche 1, all eligible applications received in Tranche 2 will be approved. Also similar to Tranche 1, those who have applied for mobile investments may proceed with that investment at their own risk before formal approval issues. Finally - and, again, similar to the current arrangements in respect of Tranche 1 - a priority approval mechanism will be available to Tranche 2 applicants who contact their local Department of Agriculture office indicating a need to urgently commence works, particularly in relation to the construction of slurry and manure storage facilities or animal welfare-related investments.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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There is currently a range of Agtech equipment included in the TAMS 3 schemes, including items such as GPS machinery control, yield monitoring, health and fertility monitoring systems, grass growth monitoring systems, robotic slurry scrapers and automatic calf feeders.

The required validation protocols for new technologies will vary by product and intended usage. Teagasc, the State Agriculture and Food Development Authority, is a recognised and trusted body which undertakes research in the agricultural sector. Companies looking to have their products validated for the Irish market should contact Teagasc to discuss the options for such work to be undertaken.

The list of investments included in TAMS 3 is kept under regular review to ensure that it supports the range of needs on a farm. The inclusion of further investment categories is dependent on the availability of funding for the TAMS 3 schemes.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Adoption of technologies on farm can help reduce emissions. A number of these technologies are being currently being supported by my Department, particularly under CAP Strategic Plan, while others are cost beneficial in their own right.

Funding from the CAP Strategic Plan has increased the adoption of numerous efficiency measures, including both the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme sucklers (BEEP-S) and the National Dairy Beef Welfare scheme. An equivalent scheme is also available for the sheep sector- the Sheep Improvement Scheme. These schemes support decision making on farms through better quality data that increase economic and environmental efficiency on farms. Further actions specifically focused on reducing on farm emissions are also included in the Eco-Scheme and ACRES including the use of LESS equipment, the use of multispecies and red clover swards, planting of native woodlands and extensive livestock production systems.

Under the Climate Action Plan, a number of measures which reduce emissions but also positively influence productivity and/or financial performance on farm are included. For example, reducing the average finishing age of cattle across the decade through genetic improvement and improving production efficiencies on our farms. Linking the reduction of emissions with increased animal/financial performance will continue to increase adoption rates.

Recent downward trends in fertiliser usage are, I believe, also being driven by economics- the challenge is to consolidate this change for example via the Nitrates Action Programme which includes targets for the reduced use of chemical nitrogen.

The National Biomethane Strategy is being finalised and will provide opportunities for farmers and land owners to convert feedstocks such grass and slurry into a renewable gas which can, in turn, produce heat, electricity or vehicle fuels.

My Department will continuing to invest in research to broaden the options available to farmers to help reduce emissions. For example, research in Teagasc has shown that feed additives can mitigate up to 30% of methane from enteric fermentation, in certain situations. We are continuing to invest in advancing this technology for incorporation into Ireland's pasture-based system of production, hence maximising on farm adoption rates. Teagasc and other advisors will continue to play a significant role in disseminating research around these new technologies to increase uptake among farmers.