614. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications received, the number approved/awaiting decision under the latest targeted agricultural modernisation scheme (TAMS) application process, per county; the measures being taken to ensure timely payments to farmers undertaking capital investment projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51096/26]

The Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) provides grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings.

To date my Department has issued almost 50,000 approvals, allowing farmers to proceed with their investments. Payments of over €172 million have issued to TAMS 3 participants, with average payments of €2 million continuing to issue on a weekly basis.

The average processing time for the vast majority of TAMS 3 applications are in line with the agreed targets as set out in the Farmers' Charter. Approvals are issued within 3 months of ranking and selection of files under each tranche, and no longer than 6 months following the closure of a tranche.

My Department will continue to process applications and issue approvals in a timely manner to allow farmers sufficient time to plan and proceed with their proposed on-farm investments.

The statistics detailed below cover tranches 1-12 of the Scheme. Tranche 12 is currently being checked prior to undergoing ranking and selection. This checking allows applicants the opportunity to correct minor administrative errors.

* Figures do not include applications which were unsuccessful following the Ranking and Selection process.