Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 February 2005
399 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will review her decision to postpone the introduction of enhanced CFP grants given that many applications will require planning permission which will significantly delay the drawdown of such grants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4880/05]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, consultations are ongoing with the European Commission in regard to the action programme for implementation of the nitrates directive. The question of possible grant aid levels under the farm waste management scheme will be decided in the light of the requirements of the action programme.
400 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she intends to publish specifications for earthen bank storage of slurry and out-wintering pads; the status of these specifications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4881/05]
View answerMy Department, together with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, has set up a technical working group to determine whether earth-lined stores, out-wintering pads and constructed wetlands should have a place in agricultural practice. The working group has taken expert advice from a variety of researchers and other sources and has been preparing detailed specifications and guidance documents for each of these systems. The specifications and guidance documents for the earth-lined stores, together with the group's recommendations, are expected shortly. Similar specifications and documents are being developed for constructed wetlands and a report is due when these have been finalised. A decision cannot be made in relation to out-wintering pads until the results of ongoing research into the environmental implications, operational details and construction requirements associated with the system become available.
