Written answer
Departmental Schemes
Ireland received €15.3 million under the EU fertiliser support scheme, with payments due by February 2027 and possible national co-financing to be decided in Budget 2027.
974. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the timeframe for his Department to draw down the funding from the EU fertiliser support scheme; and if the Government will co-finance it with €30 million. [64193/26]
Comment on this
The European Commission announced at the end of July 2026 an EU exceptional aid package for farmers impacted by increased fertiliser and energy costs associated with the Middle East crisis. The overall EU package totalled €540m, of which Ireland has been allocated €15.3m.
The EU Regulation requires that payments be made to farmers by 28 February 2027.
The EU Regulation does also provide for Member States to top-up the EU funding by up to 200%. The overall funding for this scheme will be finalised as part of Budget 2027.
The details of the proposed scheme will be announced when finalised and approved.