Vol. 503 No. 7
25 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the details and applications forms in respect of farm pollution grants will be made available; and the reason for the delay in issuing them. [10924/99]
44 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has received EU clearance for the new control of farmyard pollution and dairy hygiene schemes; when application forms will be made available to farmers who wish to participate in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11027/99]
45 Mr. J. Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when EU approval for the schemes to assist farm investment in respect of the control of farm pollution and improving dairy hygiene standards is expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10993/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 25, 44 and 45 together.
In recognition of the high priority which I attach to the schemes of grant aid for the control of farm pollution and for the improvement of dairy hygiene standards, an additional £25 million from the Exchequer has been provided for the on-farm investment schemes in my Departments Estimates for 1999. This funding allows for the introduction of nationally funded schemes for the control of farm pollution and the improvement of dairy hygiene in a more focused form, better targeted towards those farmers most in need of assistance. This is in line with the Government's commitment in An Action Programme for the Millennium.
Following discussions with the farming organisations on the eligibility criteria for the new schemes and examination of their written submissions, my Department has submitted the terms of the new schemes, which are regarded as State aids, for approval to the European Commission. This approval must be received before they can be implemented.
The Commission raised queries about certain aspects of the schemes earlier this month. My Department responded to these queries and again stressed my desire to secure the earliest agreement for the new measures. My officials have subsequently been in contact with the Commission in order to finalise any outstanding issues and I am hopeful of getting early agreement for both schemes. Application forms and details of the schemes will be available in my Department's local offices as soon as the Commissions approval is received.
