Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 11: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food when she intends to introduce new grant rates provided to farmers under the control of farmyard pollution scheme in view of the increasing cost of steel and the demands that will be placed on farmers due to the nitrates directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37688/05]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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To assist farmers to meet the additional requirements of the nitrates action programme, I have announced details of a proposed revised farm waste management scheme for which EU state aid approval has been sought. I hope that early approval of the scheme will be forthcoming so that the revised scheme can be introduced next January. Negotiations are taking place with the European Commission on the clearance of the scheme and I hope it will be up and running in early January.

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Can we get an assurance that those with fewer than 20 livestock units will be included in this and that will it be in force from 1 January? We have limited time to get this into place and the cost of steel is an issue. The Minister said she has made a large amount of money available. Comparing what is available now with what was available ten years ago——

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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If I recall, Fine Gael removed the scheme when it was in Government.

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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At that time €97 million was paid out but only €45 million will be paid out this year. Will the Minister guarantee that the funds needed will be provided so housing and storage can be erected this year?

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Will those availing of the present scheme be able to avail of the new scheme if they have not begun construction?

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Yes, but they will have to withdraw their original application if they have not begun work.

In answer to Deputy Crawford, the decision rests with the Commission. Following the discussions for the protocol on direct payment to farmers, the Department's standard costings will be revised at the beginning of each year so any increase in the cost of steel and other inputs will be taken into account in the introduction of the revised standard costings in January 2006. Steel costings will be taken into account.

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Will the Department make extra funding available if there is a realistic uptake of this? It is a serious problem and when pigs and poultry are included, there should be major demand and we do not want it to fall short.

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Under the capital programme there will be adequate funding for 2006. If extra money is required we will make that available.