Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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578.To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a cash payment receipt was deemed ineligible for a national farm safety measure from farmers in County Kerry (details supplied); if this decision will be reviewed, given the Government commitment that public bodies are to continue to accept cash payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25201/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The National Farm Safety Measure 2023, launched by my colleague, Minister of State Martin Heydon T.D. incentivised farmers to purchase and use farm safety equipment. The measure provided 60% funding for investment in PTO shaft covers and quad helmets.

The eligibility requirements for grant aid under the measure are set out in the terms and conditions. In line with other Department schemes such as TAMS, condition 6.(j) states that “cash payments are ineligible”. Applicants are required to provide evidence of payment in addition to a receipt.

The person named submitted an application for payment for a PTO shaft cover and a quad helmet. The application for payment was selected for a prepayment inspection which was carried out on 22 May 2024. In accordance with the measure’s terms and conditions, the quad helmet was deemed ineligible for payment as it was paid for in cash.

I can confirm that my Department will be issuing the payment for the PTO shaft cover shortly.