Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Nov 2001

Vol. 544 No. 3

Written Answers. - Control of Farm Pollution Scheme.

Ulick Burke

Question:

226 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will consider reviewing a condition whereby a person under 35 years of age who is a registered herd-owner for more than five years is deprived of the 15% top up under the farm waste management scheme; and if he will consider reverting to the conditions of the previous control of farmyard pollution scheme providing that the applicant is under 35 years of age and meets the educational and experience requirements. [28554/01]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh):

Under the European Commission rules which apply to all aids in agricultural holdings, provision is made to increase the percentage of grant aid by 15% in disadvantaged areas and by 5% in other areas for young qualified farmers under 35 years. However, the additional grant rates may be applied only to investments undertaken within five years of setting up in farming. In approving the schemes of investment aid for farm waste management and investment aid for the improvement in dairy hygiene standards the European Commission applied the above rules. In the circumstances, it is not possible to review the position in relation to the herdowner concerned.