899. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications under the BISS scheme that were received from 2022 to 2025, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39331/26]

900. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications under the BISS scheme that were received from 2022 to 2025, inclusive; and the number of applications that were received under the equivalent schemes in the years 2009 and 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39334/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 899 and 900 together.

The Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) replaced the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) from 2023. The BISS is designed to provide a direct income support to Irish farmers to underpin their continued sustainability and viability.

Applications for all area-based schemes, including BISS, are accepted via my Department’s online application system, which is accessed through www.myagfood.ie/. Applications must be made on an annual basis, with the final closing date in the past few years set at May 15th.

While BISS is the most significant area-based scheme in terms of both payments and numbers of applicants, not all area-based applicants are entitled to a BISS payment. For example, to draw down payment under BISS you must hold payment entitlements, which not all applicants do. Also, the application may be submitted to facilitate payment under one of the other schemes operated by my Department, such as the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme.

The table attached shows the number of area-based applications received for all years requested as of May 2026. While late application penalties are in place my Department does continue to receive applications for previous years in a limited number of cases.

The reduction in overall application numbers may in part be due to a decrease in the number of farmers but also reflects the increase in multi-herd partnerships. These involve multiple herds being applied on under a single farm partnership number.

Basic Payments Scheme (BPS).

Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS).