Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 October 2023
403. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he accepts that there is a need for a significant upward revision of TAMS 3 for the pig sector to facilitate the significant investment required at farm level and consideration of funding this through a separate mechanism to TAMS 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44035/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) provides grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings.
The scheme acknowledges and addresses the need for investment in all farming sectors, including the pig sector. Specifically with regard to the pig sector, I have increased the investment ceiling from €200,000 in TAMS II to €500,000 in TAMS 3, via the Pig and Poultry Investment Scheme. This is significantly higher than the ceilings in place in other farming sectors, and reflects the high cost of investment required in the pig sector.
I also recently announced that 100% of eligible applications under tranche 1 of TAMS 3 will be approved for funding, which is in keeping with the commitment to assist farmers to address animal welfare, climate and sustainability targets.
I believe that the suite of TAMS schemes, including the Pig & Poultry Investment Scheme, is the best mechanism for ensuring that funding is targeted at the most appropriate enterprises. I will also ensure that investment items and ceilings for grant aid continue to be reviewed on a regular basis.
