169. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the category under which a small scale agricultural contractor who is not VAT registered as his annual turnover does not meet the threshold, and who does not hold a herd number, can qualify for the fuel income support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35394/26]

The Fuel Support Scheme has been introduced as an income support to assist farmers and agricultural/forestry contractors facing unprecedented increases in fuel costs. This is a targeted income support calculated on Marked Gas Oil (MGO ‘green diesel’) use in the agricultural and forestry sectors.

The scheme will, for the first time, provide a direct support to farm contractors, recognising the vital role they play in our farming systems. The scheme was developed through close consultation with the representative bodies for both farmers and agricultural contractors.

The eligibility criteria is set out clearly in the scheme documentation and these include the requirement for Agricultural Contractors to be tax compliant and registered for VAT.