659. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the extension to the fuel subsidy support scheme be open to the construction sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49433/26]

My Department is overseeing 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.

In total €100 million funding has been made available to support these agri-food and marine sectors.

My Department is not overseeing the delivery of a support scheme to the construction sector.