Vol. 536 No. 3
85 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when inspections for the new schemes for the control of on-farm waste under the National Development Plan 2000-2006, are expected to commence; the plans which are being made to clear the backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14043/01]
The expert group which I established to advise me on FMD measures has indicated that a resumption of farm visits by officers of my Department in connection with the on-farm investment schemes can be recommenced. However, the need for continued vigilance and inspection at Border crossings with Northern Ireland and at the ports of entry make it necessary to retain a significant number of Departmental officials on this work for some time yet.
As officers are released from FMD work they are being reassigned new duties on the basis of priority assessment.
I am aware that in the case of on-farm investment schemes including investment aid for farm waste management some 1,000 applications are awaiting pre-approval. Some 500 pre-payment inspections for on-farm investment schemes are also being held up. I am fully conscious of the economic effect the delays in necessary inspections are having on individual farmers and I am keeping the re-assignment programme under constant review.
It would be unwise to stand down the full Department inspectorate from Border and port FMD duties at this time given the extensive and successful efforts that have been made to prevent spread of FMD in Ireland in recent months. The re-assignment of staff must be done on the basis of best risk management practice while bearing in mind the need to resume normal Departmental activity in the various EU and national farming schemes as soon as possible.
