2640. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications for FISS in Carlow that were unsuccessful; the general reasoning for turning applications down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58357/26]

2641. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications for FISS in Kilkenny that were unsuccessful; the general reasoning for turning applications down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58358/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2640 and 2641 together.

My Department has introduced the Fuel Income Support Scheme as a targeted income support to assist farmers and agricultural/forestry contractors facing unprecedented increases in fuel costs.

Payments to farmers and agricultural/forestry contractors commenced on July 22nd and payments will continue to issue as cases are cleared in the coming days and weeks.

At this stage it is not possible to give county specific information regarding unsuccessful applications, however, based on an examination of applications so far there are three predominant reasons an applicant will not receive payment under this scheme:

• The total fuel usage in 2025 was less than 1,200 litres and hence the payment is below the scheme minimum of €100.

• The applicant has been requested to provide evidence to support their claim and has not been in a position to do so.

• The use of marked gas oil was not in the agricultural or forestry sectors.

In the coming weeks My Department will write to unsuccessful applicants informing them of the decision with regard to their Fuel Income Support claim.