Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

I agree this is a very beneficial scheme, which is also generous. It is a once-off and it was very clear in March 2006, when it was introduced, that it was the time to get involved and get the work done. There has been much foot dragging, as the Deputy knows, over the years when it comes to the implementation of the directive in question.

Far from going cap in hand, we have received Exchequer funding and a willingness from the European Commission to ensure we finally got our act together. There has been a significant amount of flexibility brought to bear on this issue. This is the reason I do not want to give any impression that there is some kind of slippage and people should take their foot off the pedal in the implementation of the scheme and getting the work done.

I have written to local authorities to ensure they guarantee there are no delays in arranging permission and its side of the arrangement being complied with. I have circulated a notice to all approved farmers under the scheme reminding them of the importance of compliance. I do not want to give an impression that it may be possible to revisit the scheme. Unfortunately, when this was done in the past, it resulted in slippage and the foot being taken off the pedal. The Department wants the scheme to be implemented and the work done. I call on all concerned to pull together to ensure this occurs.

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