Vol. 521 No. 6
19 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when he will announce the dairy hygiene grants; his views on whether it will soon be too late to have work carried out in 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17660/00]
Under the National Development Plan 2000-2006, provision is made for a scheme for the improvement of dairy hygiene standards. A significant level of funding amounting to some £35.8 million has been allocated for this measure.
This on-farm investment measure will form part of the new regional operational programmes for the Border, midland and western region and the southern and eastern region. Clearance to proceed requires the approval of the European Commission. The broad clearance procedure is already well under way, as negotiations with the European Commission on the community support framework for Ireland, necessary to draw down the EU element of the funds, have recently been completed.
In addition, the various operational programmes required, including that pertaining to the improvements in dairy hygiene standards scheme, have recently been finalised and submitted to the Commission. The further negotiation process in respect of the regional operational programmes will follow and there is a formal EU Commission procedure for the approval of operational programmes. The procedure is complex and involves the provision of a considerable amount of documentation and detail. As this is likely to continue over a number of months, it is not possible to indicate at this stage, when the scheme will commence. The Deputy can be assured that I will be doing all I can to ensure that approval is forthcoming in the shortest possible time.
In that regard, while the EU Commission procedure is in train, work on preparing the operational parameters of the scheme is proceeding. It is intended that the practical aspects of the design of the scheme will be completed so as to coincide with the issue of approval by the Commission, which will enable the prompt roll out and commencement of implementation.
In the meantime, the national dairy hygiene scheme currently in place will continue in operation and remains open to applications. Farmers approved under this scheme will, over the summer months and beyond, continue with construction works and receive grant payments as the works are completed.
