Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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274. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the dates relating to the cutting of silage for participants in relevant strands of agri-environmental schemes have been altered in response to fodder availability issues in any of the years since 2010; if so, the flexibility that was put in place; the basis of the decision; if any consideration has been given to same in 2022-2023. [23650/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Flexibilities have previously been introduced by the Department in respect of the terms and conditions of agri-environment schemes in order to assist with fodder issues.

These include a derogation in 2013 allowing AEOS participants to conserve hay or silage, on parcels entered within the Species Rich Grassland action, using surplus grass after the advertised topping date of July 15^th. In 2018 GLAS participants were afforded derogations in respect of the Low Input Permanent Pasture and the Environmental Management of Fallow Land actions.

There are currently no plans at present for any derogation in respect of the GLAS specifications. Any such derogation would require the formal approval of the EU Commission. As always the position will continue to be closely monitored by my Department.

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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275. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the proposed silage scheme will be made payable per hectare or per livestock unit; if consideration has been given to each method; when applications for the scheme will open; when it is expected that payment will made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23651/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that on 3 May 2022, I brought a Memorandum for Information to Government on a proposed Fodder Support Scheme, in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 and the significant impact this has had on the cost of agricultural inputs required to conserve grass for silage and/or hay.

The scheme will require approval from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my Department is continuing to engage with that Department on the funding aspects of the scheme.

I will announce further details on the proposed scheme shortly.

The proposed Fodder Support scheme is in addition to the €12.2 million Targeted Intervention Package I announced on 22 March 2022. That financial support and those currently under discussion will assist farmers in providing sufficient fodder for winter 2022. I remain committed to standing by our farm families during this time of crisis.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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276. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an oral hearing for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23769/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I inform the Deputy that the Agriculture Appeals Office operates independently of my Department.

I have been advised however that the records of the Agriculture Appeals Office confirm that an appeal has not been received to date for the above named individual.

Information on how to submit an appeal is available at www.agriappeals.gov.ie/agricultureappealsprocess/howtomakeanappeal/.

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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277. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive their TAMS payment. [23782/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The person named above applied for grant-aid under the Animal Welfare, Safety and Nutrient Storage Scheme which is a measure under TAMS II. He was approved for grant aid for Animal Housing, Circulation pipe and Mass Concrete Tank by letter dated 12th June 2020 and had one year to complete and submit a payment claim for all works.

They submitted an online payment claim and associated documents on 11th December 2021. Issues arose during the checking of these documents and a letter outlining these deficiencies was issued on 17th January 2021.

Correspondence relating to the resolution of these issues has been submitted on behalf of the person named and my Department are currently examining these and will be in direct contact with the applicant.