asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will ensure that farmers in all areas who are obliged to carry out major construction works for the control of slurry will receive the 70 per cent higher rate of grant; and if he will give farmers the go-ahead for these works without prior inspections because of the urgency of the problem.
Written Answers. - Grant Payments.
112.
It is hoped to have final clearance from the EC within a few weeks for the new scheme of grants to farmers in disadvantaged areas for pollution control measures. At that stage I will announce the details of how the scheme will operate. There can be no question of paying grant aid for work undertaken prior to approval by the farm development service.
113.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a farm improvement programme grant will be paid to persons (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will expedite the matter.
A claim under the farm modernisation scheme for payment of a grant of £2,420 has been received and will be paid as soon as practicable. All claims under the scheme are dealt with strictly in order of receipt. Payments are being phased in such a way as to ensure adherence to the amount provided in the Vote. Consequently, there is some delay in making grant payments.