Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Dec 2002

Vol. 559 No. 2

Written Answers. - Environmental Policy.

Joe Costello

Question:

50 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the additional financial burden that will be placed on farmers due to increased environmental demands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25777/02]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

Both European, national and local environmental legislation can have financial implications for farmers. Such implications would arise normally where farmers were required to provide additional waste storage capacity on their farms, or where there was a restrictive effect on the farming activities of some of the more intensive operators who might be required to reduce their stocking rates or get access to additional spreadlands.

My Department already provides grant aid to farmers who undertake works of an environmental nature on their farms. The farm waste management scheme enables grants to be paid up to a maximum level of 55% for,inter alia, the construction of silage and waste storage facilities up to a maximum level of investment of €50,790. Farmers who participate in the rural environment protection scheme receive payments for meeting environmental standards that go beyond normal good farming practice. Basic annual REPS payments are €165 a hectare for farms of less than 20 hectares, and €151 a hectare for farms above 20 hectares subject to a maximum area eligible for payment of 40 hectares. Farmers with land in REPS which is subject to additional environmental specifications, such as natural heritage areas, special areas of conservation, special protection areas or commonage, receive very substantial annual payments of up to €242 per hectare.

I am satisfied, therefore, that there are already substantial measures in place to help farmers to meet their obligations. In so far as REPS is concerned I have recently announced a consultation process open to all stakeholders with a view to formulating proposals for changes in the scheme which will be put to the European Commission in 2003. I expect that this valuable exercise will result in further improvement to a very important scheme.