Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 September 2014
223. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide funding of €30 million for a significant invest programme TAMs to improve on-farm efficiency across all sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35933/14]
View answerThe Rural Development Programme for the 2014-2020 period was submitted to the EU Commission for approval in July 2014. The following investments have been identified as priority areas which will be targeted in the initial stages:- (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. TAMS II will subsequently be expanded to cover farm nutrient storage and animal housing. The level of funding allocated to TAMS II for next year will be determined in the context of the 2015 Estimates exercise which is currently under way.
