Where money is going in government grants

A once-off opportunity for farmers to upgrade safety arrangements, with a grant of 40% of investments up to €20,000, was introduced in the Budget.

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney said he was particularly anxious to acknowledge the very high level of risk on farms. Subject to EU approval, this €12 million Farm Safety Scheme will shortly be open for applications.

Mr Coveney said he has given particular priority to the beef sector by increasing funding for the new Beef Data and Genomics Scheme from €23m in 2014 to €52m, including €100 per head for the first 10 animals in a herd.