Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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1644.To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to safety concerns relating to a small number of installations of solar photovoltaic panels on roofs of agricultural buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31810/24]

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 Solar Capital Investment scheme is one of the measures in TAMS, which provides support to farmers wishing to invest in renewable energy, thereby reducing their dependence on fossil fuels.

I am aware of one case with safety issues that has been before the house recently. That said, I wish to take this opportunity to emphasise that the safety of Solar PV systems, both at installation phase and for subsequent use by farmers, is of paramount importance to me.

My Department has in place a technical specification called S198 - Minimum Specification for the Installation of Solar PV Systems. All relevant electrical and structural standards concerning the installation and subsequent use of solar PV systems in a safe manner are prescribed in this specification.

It is a requirement under the TAMS grant aid scheme that the registered solar PV installer business has a nominated electrician who has completed training courses in 1) Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Panel Implementation, and 2) Electrical installation of Micro-Generators, and obtained certification in the process. This electrician must also be registered with Safe Electric Ireland.

Only a Safe Electric registered electrician can sign the Inspection, Testing and Commissioning Report for the solar PV installation. This documentation, fully completed and signed, is required by my Department as a condition for payment of the grant. The testing and commissioning report confirms that the system is ready for electricity generation in a safe manner in line with the latest national electrical standards applicable.