John Connolly (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

1719. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be made on an appeal to the agriculture appeals office (details supplied); the reason for the delay in considering said appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44512/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I wish to inform the Deputy that the Agriculture Appeals Office operates independently of my Department. 

I have been informed that the Agriculture Appeals Office received an appeal from the person-named on 22nd April 2025. A statement on the grounds of appeal and the related documents were sent from my Department to the Appeals Office on the 25thJune 2025. 

Following the assignment of the case to an Appeals Officer, I am informed that the Appeals Officer organised an oral hearing, as requested by the person named. This was due to take place on 14th August 2025. I have been informed by the Agriculture Appeals Office that the person named sought to have the oral hearing postponed and re-arranged for a later date due to the non-availability of their representatives on 14th August 2025. 

The Appeals Officer accommodated this request. I understand that the oral hearing will be re-arranged for a date in September once parties to the appeal have confirmed their availability. A decision will issue from the Agriculture Appeals Office as soon as possible after the oral hearing.

Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

1720. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to confirm when the grants scheme for old farm buildings that were damaged during the storm Éowyn will be opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44532/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) currently provides grant aid for investment in new structures rather than repair of existing structures.  Where buildings have been significantly damaged it may be more economic to replace the entire structure, rather than attempting to repair the damaged building.  In such cases, it is open to farmers to apply for support for the construction of new buildings under TAMS. 

However, in order to ensure that farms are more resilient in advance of future weather events, I announced plans to introduce grant aid support under TAMS for replacement of roofs.

The application process for this specific investment is nearing completion and will be available later this year.  In the meantime, I would urge all farmers to carry out a structural assessment of their farm buildings. 

TAMS 3 is open to all farmers who hold a Department identifier and have a minimum of five hectares declared under the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS).