Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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340. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has considered introducing changes to straw shredding regulations, given the shortage of straw and fodder this year as a consequence of weather; if he will consider an opt-out clause; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27848/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) is a new scheme introduced under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023 - 2027. This scheme follows on from a successful two-year pilot in operation during 2021 and 2022.

Application for the Measure is via the annual Basic Income for Sustainability (BISS) and other area-based schemes application process. The measure is available to all those who declare the requisite eligible crops and confirm their intent to participate when completing their online BISS application.

The measure requires an applicant to

• chop,
• spread and
• incorporate straw on a minimum of 5 hectares and up to a maximum payable area of 40 hectares.

In line with the Terms and Conditions of the scheme, an applicant may withdraw an area of SIM, or amend parcel use where they haven't already been notified of an issue or an inspection. Consequently the scheme already has flexibility built-in for applicants to either fully or partially withdraw where straw is needed for fodder.