Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 July 2026
330. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications received under the fuel income support scheme, by county; the number approved, refused and awaiting determination in each county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54004/26]
View answer331. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number and total value of payments issued under the fuel income support scheme to date, by county , in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54005/26]
View answer332. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of applicants deemed eligible for payment under the fuel income support scheme who have yet to receive payment; the reason for any delays; the expected timeframe for issuing outstanding payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54006/26]
View answer333. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total amount allocated to the fuel income support scheme; the amount committed to date; the amount paid to date; the amount expected to be paid over the lifetime of the scheme; the estimated underspend, if any; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54007/26]
View answer334. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration is being given to extending the fuel income support scheme beyond July 2026; whether a review of the continued need for the scheme has been undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54008/26]
View answer335. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he intends to extend the fuel income support scheme beyond July 2026 in the event considering that fuel prices remain elevated and could possibly increase further; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54009/26]
View answer336. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration is being given to expanding the eligibility criteria for the fuel income support scheme; the categories of persons or businesses being considered; whether representations seeking changes have been received; whether he has had engagements or meetings if this regard; if so, the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54010/26]
View answer337. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the average payment made under the fuel income support scheme to farmers, agricultural contractors and commercial fishers; the highest and lowest payments made in each category, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54011/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 330 to 337, inclusive, together.
My Department has introduced the Fuel Income Support Scheme as a targeted income support to assist farmers and agricultural/forestry contractors facing unprecedented increases in fuel costs.
Separate schemes have been put in place to support fishers and specialist horticultural growers.
As of the closing date of June 2nd, 32,417 farmer applications have been received while more than 3,000 paper-based applications were received from farm contractors. Analysis of the correspondence received from contractors is still on-going, so it is not yet possible to give a county breakdown.
The county breakdown for the online/farmer applications is set out below:
|
County |
Farmer Applications |
|
Carlow |
595 |
|
Cavan |
1,189 |
|
Clare |
1,570 |
|
Cork |
4,573 |
|
Donegal |
1,125 |
|
Dublin |
200 |
|
Galway |
2,450 |
|
Kerry |
1,712 |
|
Kildare |
670 |
|
Kilkenny |
1,310 |
|
Laois |
1,105 |
|
Leitrim |
611 |
|
Limerick |
1,540 |
|
Longford |
605 |
|
Louth |
366 |
|
Mayo |
1,574 |
|
Meath |
1,039 |
|
Monaghan |
1,014 |
|
Offaly |
987 |
|
Roscommon |
1,153 |
|
Sligo |
756 |
|
Tipperary |
2,299 |
|
Waterford |
860 |
|
Westmeath |
816 |
|
Wexford |
1,623 |
|
Wicklow |
675 |
|
Total |
32,417 |
As the scheme closing date has passed no further applications can be made at this point and there are no current plans to reopen the scheme or to widen the eligibility criteria.
While my Department is currently carrying out final processing of applications, it is anticipated that payments will commence issuing shortly.
No payments have issued as of yet for The Fishing and Aquaculture Registered Vessel Fuel Support Scheme and the Aquaculture Business Vessel Fuel Support Scheme.
It is therefore not yet possible to give a breakdown of payments by county or to give information on the number of eligible applications at this point.
