Farm Waste Management

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2010

Tuesday, 18 May 2010

Questions (460)

Michael Creed

Question:

496 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the operation of the farm waste management scheme and the level of grant aid approved, he has given consideration to reviewing the level of entitlement on foot of an increase in construction costs, particularly steel costs which in many instances meant that farmers did not receive the percentage level of grant aid approved for them when final costs were calculated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20747/10]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

I have no plans to review the system of grant calculation which was applicable under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. As the Deputy will be aware, the Nitrates version of that Scheme was introduced by my Department in March 2006 and all the investment works concerned had to be completed by farmers by the closing date of 31 December 2008. I do not propose, therefore, to revise either the levels of grant or my Department's Standard Costings which were applicable under the Scheme at this stage.