Vol. 510 No. 3
85 Mr. D. Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the level of uptake of the re-introduced schemes for the control of on-farm pollution and dairy hygiene; the plans, if any, envisaged for continuation beyond the current year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22335/99]
The national scheme for the control of farm pollution was introduced on 28 June 1999. Since that date, a total of 4135 applications have been received in my Department and over 900 applicants have received approvals for grant aid. Under the national scheme for the improvement of dairy hygiene standards introduced in May 1999, 242 applications have been received with 37 approvals issued.
I regard these schemes as a high priority and am fully committed to their continuation to facilitate the capital investment necessary for the long-term protection and development of agriculture in a sustainable manner. Support for the measures involved is a central element of the proposals submitted by my Department in the context of the National Development Plan 2000-2006.
