Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 March 2007
690 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to the enormous waiting time for farm inspection in respect of the waste pollution scheme; the steps that can be taken to increase the number of inspectors dealing with this scheme in the Kilkenny office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9463/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the difficulties caused by the massive increase in applications under the Farm Waste Management Scheme and have recently introduced revised procedures in order to speed up the process of issuing approvals under the Scheme. This includes the streamlining of administrative procedures for the approval of applications and the release to applicants of the newly revised Standard Costings used to assess the financial implications of proposed investments carried out under the Scheme. I am confident that these changes will greatly increase the number of approvals issued to farmers to commence work under the Scheme.
As far as the staffing levels in local AES offices of my Department are concerned, these are reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure that the necessary staffing resources are in place to ensure delivery of the Scheme.
