435. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will expand the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme (TAMS), or introduce a dedicated grant aid measure, to support agricultural contractors in purchasing precision spot-spraying equipment and technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54574/26]

The Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) which is a key element of the current CAP Strategic Plan provides grants to farmers to invest in their farm businesses through building and/or improving a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings.

There is no provision in the current CAP Strategic plan to provide funding for agricultural contractors.

The investments items currently available under TAMS include a variety of precision technology equipment, including GPS sprayers.