John Bruton
Question:194 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the estimated cost in 1999 of a decision to restore the farmyard pollution and dairy hygiene schemes respectively. [15622/98]
Written Answers. - Agricultural Schemes.
Extra funding amounting to £43.4 million has been provided for the farm pollution and dairy hygiene schemes since June 1997 to cover approved plans on completion.
Restoration of these would result in an estimated minimum cost in the 1999 financial year of £16 million and £10 million respectively in respect of works completed and certified before the end of the year. Significant expenditure would also arise in subsequent years.
There are no funds currently available to restore the schemes. However, as I regard the schemes as a high priority, I am continuing to pursue the question of funding to enable their reintroduction in a more focused way.