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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 17 Apr 2002

Vol. 552 No. 1

Written Answers. - EU Regulations.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

197 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development his plans to abolish the requirement of a minimum of 20 income units for schemes. [11706/02]

The requirement that applicants for aid under the various farm investment schemes have a minimum of 20 income units from farming has been specifically laid down by the EU Commission. This is to meet the general requirement, established in Council Regulation No. 1257/99, that all applicants pass the test of economic viability.

I have raised this issue with the EU Commission in an effort to secure the right to open up the farm waste management scheme in particular to farmers with less than 20 income units, in the interests of environmental protection. Unfortunately, despite extensive discussions with the EU Commission last year, the Commission has not deemed it appropriate to adjust this requirement. The matter is still under consideration and the possibility of securing specific changes to EU legislation which could allow for the introduction of a realistic scheme for small farmers, particularly for farm waste management, continues to be pursued.

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