Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 January 2005
133 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on whether it will be impossible for small farmers to build the necessary cattle housing and slurry accommodation to meet good farming practice and nitrate regulations without grant aid; when she proposes to provide realistic grant aid for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2199/05]
View answerAt present a minimum of 20 income units from farming is required in the case of applications for grants under the farm investment schemes. The European Commission has repeatedly opposed any relaxation of this minimum income provision despite several approaches by my Department on the matter. The conditions of the farm waste management scheme are currently under consideration.
134 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to review the level of grant aid provided to farmers under the CFP scheme in view of the increasing cost of steel and the demands which will be placed on farmers due to the nitrates directive and the rejection of the Irish proposals by the EU Commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2268/05]
View answerI refer the Deputy to the reply today to Question No. 133 by Deputy Seymour Crawford. The co-ordination of the farm waste management scheme is under consideration. As and from 13 September 2004, my Department has introduced revised standard costings, which reflect increased costs including that of steel in respect of all approvals issued under the farm waste management scheme.
