Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)

I accept the Minister's acknowledgement that the price of steel has increased by more than 30% in the past two years, not including the significant rises since the start of this year, and the rise in the price of concrete. Will the revised costings take into account the significant rise in concrete prices since January and the rises in the costs of steel and labour? Will the new costings take into account the dramatic changes in the specifications? The amount of steel that must be used has been significantly increased by the new specifications. Clearance between the slurry and the slats has increased from four inches to six inches, and this is more than the Environmental Protection Agency's previous specifications for pig slurry. Will that be taken into account in the costings? An issue was raised with me last week in the Finn Valley and last night in County Roscommon. A farmer I spoke to last night expects to have his approval from the Department on 17 July. He has a contractor in place and the work will cost €100,000. What will he do if this issue is still under review on 17 July? Will he receive a grant of 60% of €100,000, 60% of €60,000 or some other figure the Department comes up with? That is a genuine question that farmers have. They cannot make decisions until the Minister decides on that review. That it will be back-dated to 1 January does not make a difference to many farmers who are looking at putting in significant investment to comply with the nitrates directive and which will not benefit their production and efficiency.

See this speech in context