Vol. 498 No. 5
54 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the control of farmyard pollution and the dairy hygiene schemes will be reintroduced; when application forms for participation in these schemes will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27866/98]
76 Mr. Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the application forms for the control of farmyard pollution scheme, the dairy hygiene scheme and the new scheme for installation aid will be available; when the schemes will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27680/98]
79 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when he will get clearance from the EU Commission for the introduction of the control of farmyard pollution and dairy hygiene standards schemes; when he will invite applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27763/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 54, 76 and 79 together.
My Department is in the process of drawing up the details of new nationally funded schemes for the control of farm pollution and the improvement in dairy hygiene standards which will be targeted towards those farmers most in need of assistance. This has involved discussions with the various farming organisations and inviting detailed written submissions from them on the preliminary proposals discussed. These submissions are expected later this week.
As the schemes are regarded as national aids their terms and conditions will have to secure the approval of the European Commission before they can come into operation. A submission will be made to the Commission in the near future and I hope to be in a position to introduce both schemes in the spring of 1999. The introduction of these schemes will facilitate access to REPs for some farmers.
As regards the scheme of installation aid, a revised national scheme, focused on those farmers most in need of assistance has been approved by the European Commission and I expect that application forms, along with full details of the new scheme will be available in the local offices of my Department within the next two weeks.
