Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Nov 1993

Vol. 436 No. 4

Written Answers. - Dairy Hygiene.

Michael Finucane

Question:

194 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the grants that will be available to farmers from 1 January 1994, in order to implement the EC regulations on dairy hygiene; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. J. Walsh)

Earlier this year, Ireland secured £6 million from the proceeds of the final year of the EC milk co-responsibility levy to assist dairy farmers in their preparations to meet the standards set by the EC Dairy Hygiene Directive. The major part of this money will be directed towards farmers who need to invest in on-farm cooling equipment, or in milking machine parts. Individual grants will be up to £1,750 in the case of the former and up to £500 in the latter subject to a maximum of 50 per cent of actual cost in both cases. Implementation of the scheme will be carried out by the ICOS under contract to my Department.

The National Development Plan 1994-99 also includes provision for a grant scheme to assist farmers in meeting the on-farm structural standards required by the directive. While it is intended that substantial moneys will be made available for this scheme, details of its operation cannot be finalised until the plan is approved by the European Commission.