The Department of Agriculture this week has released its document of reference costs for construction undertaken under the recently announced TAMS II schemes.

Among the costs outlined in document is the value of farmers own labour during construction. It shows that direct constructional work by applicant, or applicant’s family member is should be valued at €12.40/hr.

The Departments costings on TAMS II also provides rates for farmers use of their own machinery.

The Department says it is expected that rates per hour for own machinery use claims will not exceed those given below.

Labour is not included in the rates for machinery under TAMS II and should be claimed under own labour as appropriate, the Department says.