Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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1298.To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he intends to introduce the 'forgotten farmers' scheme, which aims to provide support to farmers who missed out on previous schemes; if this scheme will allow eligible farmers to access the complementary income support for young farmers, the national reserve, and the TAMS/young farmers’ capital investment scheme, with an increased grant aid rate of 60%; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[35650/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I have long supported the cohort of farmers known as the forgotten farmers and have committed to supporting them. At my behest, my Department has developed a preliminary outline of a proposal to provide support to the forgotten farmer group.

Work continues on addressing a number of issues, such as the funding required, consistency with public expenditure and state aid considerations before the details of the eligibility requirements and benefits to successful applicants under the scheme can be finalised. Details of the scheme will be made available as soon as this process has been completed.

I am committed to delivering for these farmers, many of whom find themselves in this situation through no fault of their own, at the earliest opportunity.