Brian Brennan (Wicklow-Wexford, Fine Gael)
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501. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans to introduce a scheme of compensation for farmers who have seen the loss of bean crops due to Storm Darragh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4659/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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Prolonged wet weather last Spring resulted in later than optimal sowing of spring beans. This resulted in later than normal ripening of the crop. However, favourable weather conditions during the Autumn period, and which extended into late November, provided growers with an opportunity to complete the harvesting of later ripening crops before Storm Darragh in early December.

There is significant support for the growing of beans through the Protein Aid Scheme under the CAP Strategic Plan. The annual budget for Protein Aid has increased significantly over the years from €3 million at the outset of the Scheme to €10 million in 2024. In 2024, there were some 1,650 applicants under the Scheme with payment rates of €493 per hectare for protein crops and €246.50 per hectare for protein/cereal crop mixes. Against this background, I do not intend to introduce a scheme of compensation for farmers who lost their crops as a result of Storm Darragh.

I will continue to support the tillage sector and am committed to retaining the Protein Aid budget at €10 million for the remainder of the current CAP Strategic Plan.