Seán Connick (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

As a result of today's debate many more will issue their announcement in the coming days and weeks that they have started work. The fact that we are debating it here today shows how important this scheme is to rural Ireland. The 60% grant aid available to farmers in Wexford and elsewhere has allowed many farmers to carry out important improvements to their farms which they would not otherwise have been in a position to do. It has also been an important boost to the construction industry in Wexford and around the country over the past year in particular. Last year, almost €114 million was paid in grant aid under the farm waste management scheme and this year the spend will be approximately €377 million. This is an important injection of cash into the rural economy and has been of major assistance to both farmers and builders throughout Ireland.

The Opposition's motion today on the farm waste management scheme is completely opportunistic and the Deputies on the other side of the House know it.

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