Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Jan 1996

Vol. 460 No. 3

Written Answers. - On-farm Investment Schemes.

Brian Cowen

Question:

541 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry in relation to the abolition of fees for on-farm investment schemes, the total amount collected from such fees in each year since 1990; the amount collected from such fees on a county basis in the last year for which figures are available; the amount that will be saved in this financial year and the amount saved in a full financial year as a result of the reduction in administration costs to which he has ascribed as the reason for abolishing the charges; the areas of his Department in which he has made such savings; the amount of savings in each area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19368/96]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

The figures in respect of annual receipts of fees collected under the on-farm investment schemes for each of the years 1990-95 are set out below.

Year	Amount
	£m.
1990	0.887
1991	0.749
1992	0.729
1993	0.509
1994	0.518
1995	0.595
Total	3.987

Records of receipts are on a national basis and are not maintained on a county basis.

As indicated in my press statement announcing the removal of the fees, there have been improved efficiencies in the operation of the schemes as a result of revised procedures introduced by me last October. Applicants under the control of farm pollution scheme are now required to submit detailed information, giving existing and proposed buildings, prior to the initial inspection. While it is not possible to quantify their effect in financial terms, I am satisfied that these revised procedures have resulted in a better utilisation of equipment and manpower in the operation and control of the schemes.