Minister to seek extension for TAMS Sow Welfare Scheme – Humphreys

Confirmation from the Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney that he is seeking an extension to the deadline for completion of works under the TAMS Sow Welfare Scheme has been welcomed by a local TD.

Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael TD, Heather Humphreys raised the matter with Minister Simon Coveney in the Dail yesterday. 

“I welcome the response from Minister Coveney to my Parliamenatry Question in which he confirmed that his Department is in consultation with the EU Commission regarding an extension to the deadline for the completion of work and the submission of payment claims under the TAMS Sow Welfare Scheme. 

“I have raised this matter with the Minister on a number of occasions following representations from local pig farmers. I am aware of the difficulties which the pig sector is facing and the potentially negative impact of the end September 2013 deadline for projects that have not yet been completed.

“The Minister has said that any extension, if approved, would, of course not affect the entry into force of the new EU animal welfare rules which came into with effect on 1 January 2013. It would merely enable applicants under the Scheme to continue to receive grant-aid for the completed investments on condition that the works are completed and a payment claim lodged with the Department by the revised deadline,” said Deputy Humphreys.