Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 67: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if any increases will be provided in farmyard pollution grants, especially in areas in which additional storage will have to be provided to take account of the extra week's storage capacity that may be demanded of farms through the nitrate agreement; if she will report on efforts being made to provide grant aid for small farmers of under 20 livestock units who will be forced out of farming if no support is provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7055/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Consultations are currently ongoing with the European Commission in regard to the action programme for implementation of the nitrates directive in Ireland. The question of possible changes to the levels of grant aid currently payable under the farm waste management scheme will be decided in light of the requirements of the action programme when agreed.

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Does the Minister accept that an increase in grant funding is needed, especially in those areas where a longer period of storage will be imposed? Does she accept that the current situation, where those with under 20 livestock units are ineligible for grant aid, must be changed? Otherwise, that sector will disappear. Can the Minister give us an assurance that proposals are being drafted in that regard? If any structures are to be put in place this year and given that planning permission and so forth must be taken into account, it is long past time there was a degree of certainty on this issue. I appreciate the Minister's problems in this matter.

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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This year I provided €30 million for the scheme. Naturally, applications are slow in the context of the changes that arise from the nitrates directive. Under Sustaining Progress, we increased grant aid from 20% to 40%, which is substantial. We carried out an audit under Teagasc of what is available in the country at present. Under any agreement that is reached there will be a financial imposition on some farmers. As it stands, this is the case in the Deputy's constituency. We are evaluating that and examining the cost implications. I have €30 million this year for the farm waste management scheme.

There is an issue with the 20 livestock units, particularly for part-time farmers and small farm enterprises. The Commission has opposed the concept of anything less than 20 livestock units. I do not agree with that view but the Commission believes that fewer than 25 is not viable. I will evaluate and ascertain, in the context of the changes that have taken place, the implications for those with fewer than 20 livestock units and what can be done to support them following whatever decision is made on the nitrates directive. I cannot give a commitment now as to what will be available. People have anticipations and others have made recommendations but until I know the full implications of it, I will not be in a position to ascertain how the scheme will look.

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I appreciate that the Minister has only been in office for a short time and that she has much work to do to rectify the damage done by her predecessor, who was in office for ten of the last 12 years and did nothing on the nitrates directive. The Minister said she has €30 million, although I believe the amount is €38 million, allocated for farmyard pollution. In 1997, £60 million was spent on this while last year only €17 million was spent. Taking account of inflation, is the Minister satisfied that the €38 million is sufficient or is she relying on the fact that there is so much red tape, farmers will be unable to draw down the money? The sum of €38 million will not do much in this day and age to rectify the serious problem that exists. Does the Minister understand the anxiety among farmers over whether they will be in production in 12, 18 or 24 months as a result of this nitrates directive?

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I am acutely aware of the repercussions of the nitrates directive. A considerable amount of investment has already been made by farmers. We do not build slurry pits every few years; they last for a considerable period of time. The considerable investment farmers have made over the years has been grant aided by this Government. The Deputy has 20:20 vision with hindsight. As I recall it, the rainbow Government abolished the farm waste management scheme and on our return to Government we re-introduced it.

I believe we have adequate resources at present. In the event of changes in the nitrates directive we will have to ascertain their financial implications for both commercial and small farm enterprises.

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Has the Department made any decision on the earthen banks and wintering pads?

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I have met Teagasc and it has almost finalised its views on those issues. Ultimately, the cheaper options might not be the best. In my constituency, people vehemently oppose the provision of such facilities as they are inadequate for the climate. There are also safety issues. However, if they are dealt with in the proper fashion, they might provide an opportunity for some farmers in certain parts of the country.

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I agree with the Minister on that issue.

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Perhaps the Deputy would let the IFA know, when its representatives are roaring at me, that it is the same in his constituency.