Willie Penrose
Question:59 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when he will reintroduce the control of farmyard pollution and dairy hygiene schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23337/98]
Written Answers. - Agricultural Schemes.
In the Estimate for my Department for 1999 which were published yesterday, an additional £25 million is being provided for the on-farm investment schemes. This funding will allow the reintroduction of the control of farm pollution and dairy hygiene schemes in a more focused form in 1999. These new schemes will be targeted at those farmers most in need of assistance and will facilitate important investment towards enhancing the competitiveness of agriculture.
This extra funding, which is additional to the £43.5 million which I had already secured for these measures since taking office, is in line with the commitment in An Action Programme for the Millennium.