Grant Payments.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2005

Tuesday, 21 June 2005

Ceisteanna (422)

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

443 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if or when there will be an increase in grant aid for farmers who will have to increase slurry tank accommodation to meet the proposed nitrates directive storage period, specifically for the 22 weeks proposed for Cavan and Monaghan; if grant aid will be available for farmers with less than 20 livestock units; her views on whether the need for clarity in this matter is urgent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20789/05]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

In Sustaining Progress 2003, it was agreed that improvements would be made to the grants available under the farm waste management scheme and this commitment was achieved by the introduction of a revised scheme in January 2004. Consideration of any further amendments to the farm waste management scheme, including the extension of the scheme to farmers with less than 20 income units, must await finalisation of the current discussions with the EU Commission in relation to nitrates.