Vol. 517 No. 3
134 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when farm buildings grants will be reintroduced; the percentage of grant which will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9949/00]
At present, national schemes of control of farm pollution and improvement of dairy hygiene standards are in operation and applications in respect of proposed investment works continue to be accepted under these schemes.
Under the National Development Plan 2000-2006, provision is made for a scheme of farm waste management and a scheme for the improvement of dairy hygiene standards. In the context of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, consultations on these schemes have taken place with the social partners.
It is proposed that the scheme of farm waste management will provide for a grant rate of 40% of approved costs subject to a maximum grant of £16,000 for farmers with income units up to 150 and a grant rate of 20% of approved costs subject to a maximum grant of £8,000 for farmers having income units between 151 and 200. Similar grant rates are proposed for the scheme for the improvement of dairy hygiene standards with a maximum grant of £10,000 for farmers with income units up to 150 and £5,000 for farmers having income units in the range of 151 and 200 units.
The terms and conditions of these schemes are presently being drafted by my Department for submission to the European Commission for approval. When that approval has been obtained, the schemes will be brought on stream at the earliest date.
