Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 1 May 2001

Vol. 535 No. 1

Written Answers - Installation of Tanks.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

238 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the reason he will not allow the installation of milk bulk tanks and other fixed equipment in the knowledge that these are being fitted into units which are already licensed and can be inspected and verified after all the foot and mouth disease issue is cleared up; his views on whether these deals can be sorted out at desk level between his officials and the farmers in the interest of minimising damage to the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12146/01]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

Following receipt of the most recent advice from an expert group which I established to advise me, a protocol is being drawn up for entry on to farms of contractors to install bulk milk tanks. To meet the needs of farmers who urgently need to install milk bulk tanks and other fixed equipment on their holdings, I propose to allow approval to purchase these items to be given following a desk check of the application but without the requirement of an initial farm visit by an official of my Department. However, grant aid will not be paid in these investment items until a final inspection is carried to ensure that they are installed to my Department's minimum specifications.