The possibility of including a measure on clearing drains in the farm safety scheme under TAMS II is included in the Programme for Partnership Government. Any such measure would require full compliance with environmental requirements including the need for a full national Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessments for any potentially affected Natura Areas. European Commission approval would therefore be a significant challenge. A number of key challenges therefore arise and a scheme for land drainage is not included in the current Rural Development Programme.