On the 21st of July the question asked was "the estimated cost in 2017 of permitting young farmers who are less than 40 years of age, who have been farming for five years or more and who do not qualify for the 60% TAMS grant aid rate to qualify for an intermediary grant aid level of 50%; and if he will make a statement on the matter."
The response was given in a letter to the Deputy on the 21st September 2016 where it was indicated that following Departmental analysis the estimated potential cost in 2017 would be €20.2m.
There are no plans in place to introduce this rate for this category of farmer, however, these farmers are given priority in all other TAMS II investment schemes.