2637. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the allocation Ireland will receive from the EU agricultural crisis reserve to address increased fertiliser costs, whether the Government will provide the maximum level of co-financing permitted in respect of that allocation; when a fertiliser support scheme will be opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58187/26]

On 13 July, the Council formally adopted the Regulation which will introduce measures to help European farmers address the recent increase in fertiliser prices and other input costs. These measures will enable Member States to provide targeted assistance to farmers facing rising production costs and liquidity pressures.

The EU Commission has committed a total package of €540 million in exceptional aid across all Member States. In this regard, Ireland has been allocated €15,381,900 in emergency assistance which can be made available to farmers.

My Department is considering fully the approach to be taken in the deployment of these funds.