Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I have recently forwarded to the Deputy detailed figures in regard to the increase in the cost of steel over the past five years, during which it has risen significantly. I am fully aware of the impact of increases in the costs of labour and materials on the cost of construction of farm buildings. In launching the new farm waste management scheme in March this year I indicated that the standard costs on which the grant payments were to be based were under review. Payment for work under the scheme will be based on the new standard cost levels when they have been approved. The standard costs review involves checking up to 120 items of expenditure to ensure reasonable and sustainable increases in those costs are reflected in the amount of grant paid.

Developments in the cost of materials used in on farm development have not in any way hampered or dampened the enthusiasm for what is a very extensive and generous farm waste scheme which has been widely publicised. Already, approximately 4,300 applications from all parts of the country have been received and some 1,800 approvals have been issued. While work is progressing on the installation of the structures needed to store farm waste, to enable us to comply with EU regulations it is important that applications under the scheme are received before the end of December this year. I urge all farmers contemplating availing of the scheme and its companion scheme relating to demonstration of on-farm waste processing facilities to make sure this deadline is respected. No applications after 31 December can be accepted.

More than €43 million has been provided in the Department's Estimates for the scheme for this year and I am pleased with the high level of take-up so far for this grant aid. The scheme offers grants of up to 75% of the eligible investment costs and recognises the special issues arising for the four zone C counties and younger farmers.

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