504. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the latest update on the forgotten farmers scheme, following the recent funding announcement in budget 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41128/24]

I was pleased to be able to confirm that as part of Budget 2025 my Department secured an allocation of €5 million for 2025 to support the group of farmers commonly referred to as forgotten farmers. Work continues on addressing a number of remaining issues, including state aid considerations, before the details of the eligibility requirements and benefits to successful applicants under the scheme can be finalised. Details of the scheme will be made available as soon as this process has been completed.

I am committed to delivering for these farmers, many of whom find themselves in this situation through no fault of their own, at the earliest opportunity in 2025.