Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

Absolutely. There may be a perception that the funds will be allocated for some rural development measures beyond the farm gate but this is not true. The modulated funds will be allocated for on-farm activities. The scheme or schemes we will propose to the Commission for approval will have to be linked to the new challenges of climate change, achieving biodiversity and water management. A scheme could involve an additional REPS measure. A grassland premium scheme, which may in some instances refer to under-grazing or over-grazing of land, could be considered. There is a measure that can be considered in regard to dairy restructuring. A number of schemes can be proposed but the basic requirement is that they address the new challenges of protecting the environment, enhancing biodiversity and tackling climate change. I assure the House that all the funding will be allocated directly for on-farm activities and not to Leader type programmes or programmes that would operate beyond the farm gate.

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