Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 November 2022
326. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm that his Department differentiates between male and female applicants for TAMS funding, given that 60% TAMS funding will be provided to successful female applicants aged 41-55 years of age, whereas only 40% funding will be provided to similarly aged male applicants. [58556/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new Women Farmers' Capital Investment Scheme, proposed under the new TAMS, is due to open in 2023. Under the new TAMS, the general grant rate on farm investments will be 40%, with women and young farmers receiving a 60% grant rate, subject to meeting certain conditions.The new CAP regulation (EU Regulation 2115 of 2021, establishing rules on support for strategic plans to be drawn up by Member States under the common agricultural policy), states that there should be “particular focus on promoting the participation of women in the socio-economic development of rural areas, with special attention to farming” and article 6(h) states that a specific objective is: “to promote employment, growth, gender equality, including the participation of women in farming, social inclusion and local development in rural areas, including the circular bio-economy and sustainable forestry”.
There currently is no differentiation on gender for applicants to the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS).
