Jack Wall
Ceist:38 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his Department's plans to extend the farm pollution scheme and environmental protection scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2178/03]
Written Answers. - Environmental Schemes.
A number of proposals in relation to the operation of the farm waste management scheme have been made by the farm bodies and these are being considered in the context of the post-PPF negotiations, which are ongoing at present.
As far as the rural environmental protection scheme is concerned, I have announced a consultation process which is open to all stakeholders. At present my Department is examining written submissions which constituted the first stage in the process, and a series of meetings with stakeholders will take place in due course. Arising out of the consultation process I hope to make proposals to the European Commission later this year for changes to REPS.