Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Nov 2002

Vol. 558 No. 3

Written Answers. - Farm Waste Management.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

89 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the amount of money provided in each of the past ten years, on a yearly basis, for the provision of farm buildings, effluent accommodation and dairy hygiene; the amount which has already been paid out in 2002 on a similar basis; if he has satisfied himself that sufficient progress is being made in order that farmers can meet the EU requirements for slurry and effluent accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24193/02]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

I am forwarding details of payments made for the period in question under the schemes concerned, that is, the control of farm pollution scheme, the farm improvement programme, the national farm pollution scheme, the farm waste management scheme, the alternative enterprises scheme, the agri-tourism scheme and the dairy hygiene scheme, to the Deputy.

The relevant schemes referred to are, however, not intended to provide the full means by which farm pollution will be controlled. Other measures such as the rural environment protection scheme, the protocol on good farming practice and the scheme of grant aid for the development of the organic sector are also designed to play an important role in this regard. I am satisfied that the combination of these measures is making a significant contribution to the control of farm pollution in Ireland.