The arrangements for payment of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on a phased basis have been confirmed with 40 per cent being paid this year as claims are approved. A further 40 per cent will be paid in early January 2010 and the remaining 20 per cent in January 2011. I have also announced that a special ex-gratia payment not exceeding 3.5 per cent of the value of the deferred amount will be made to farmers whose Farm Waste Management grants have been partially deferred. This payment will be made in January 2011 along with the final instalment.
Payment of the first instalment of 40 per cent was made to the person concerned on 15 April 2009. Under the terms of the Scheme, the grant is calculated on the basis of my Department's Standard Costs or on the total of the eligible receipts/invoices submitted by the applicant, whichever is the lesser.