Agriculture Scheme Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2014

Wednesday, 17 September 2014

Questions (491)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

491. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the upgrading of cattle and sheep housing will be included under the TAMS schemes 2014-2020; if these upgrades will include upgrades to ensure better animal welfare and effluent control and safety issues; if, in relation to animal welfare, it will include the provision of cow mats and slat mats, which significantly improve animal health, productivity and performance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34530/14]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Rural Development Programme for the 2014-2020 period was submitted to the EU Commission for approval in July 2014. In the case of TAMS II, it is proposed, subject to EU Commission approval, to provide funding in the initial stages for investments in relation to (i) dairy equipment, (ii) low emission spreading equipment, (iii) animal welfare and farm safety (specifically beef and sheep handling facilities), (iv) pig and poultry investments in energy, water meters and medicine dispensers, (v) organic capital investment, and (vi) a young farmer capital investment scheme. General support schemes in relation to farm nutrient storage and animal housing will be introduced at a later stage. It is not possible at this stage to identify the range of investment items which will be included in the proposed animal housing scheme. EU Commission approval will be required for the Programme before any TAMS II measures can be introduced under its remit.

Question No. 492 answered with Question No. 472.