Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 93: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the action he will take to sort out those people who had their applications lodged in their local office for the new farm development scheme but not computerised; his views on whether it was not the fault of individual farmers that their applications were not dealt with on time; when they will be sanctioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19430/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The farm improvement scheme, FIS, was introduced by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in July 2007 with funding of €79 million, as agreed under the partnership agreement, Towards 2016. The scheme was suspended on 31 October 2007 as applications received had reached this level of funding. It was specifically made clear, at the time of its launch, that the scheme would be terminated when this financial ceiling had been reached and this was also specifically provided for in the terms and conditions of the scheme. Some 12,675 applications were received from farmers prior to the closing date of the scheme.

These applications are being processed within the Department up to the level of funding made available for the scheme in the above-mentioned partnership agreement.

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I congratulate my constituency colleague, Deputy Brendan Smith, on his elevation to the office of Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. I wish him the best and assure him that I will give all the positive and constructive help I can. I also congratulate Deputy Killeen on his appointment as Minister of State at that Department.

This scheme is very important, as the Minister, who comes from a county with a similar structure to mine, knows. The problem here arises due to applications that were lodged in departmental offices that do not use the computer system. Those applications are not, as yet, recognised. What is the legal situation of a person who has lodged an application in an office but has not been assured whether it will be taken? This is a major problem facing many farmers who do not know whether to proceed with projects of various sizes under their own steam or wait to see what will happen. Will the Minister advise when this group will know if the scheme is to be reopened?

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank Deputy Crawford for his good wishes. He took the opportunity in other fora, in the constituency and elsewhere, to convey them to me.

As the Deputy knows, 12,675 applications were received from farmers under the FIS by the closing date, 31 October 2007. These applications are being processed up to the level of funding available. Applications received up to 31 October 2007 are being processed first and any funding that remains after they have been processed will be applied to the remaining applications.

As I said in my initial reply, it was outlined in the scheme and the press release accompanying its launch that €79 million was available for it. Some €6 million was available for the sow housing scheme at the time. In the partnership agreement, Towards 2016, a commitment was made to provide €85 million for this investment sector. It also provides for a review of its terms during 2008; this will provide an opportunity to reassess the financial terms of the agreement. It was made clear previously that the farm improvement scheme will not be reopened prior to a review.

Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

With regard to this matter and Deputy Creed's point on processing, the faults may lie with a lack of staff in local offices. Deputy Crawford has outlined a case where the computer system was inactive. I know of a specific case in the local office in my constituency where there is a lack of staff. Responses from the Minister and the Department indicate that people have been recruited to update matters and attempt to catch up with FIS and the farm waste management scheme. These delays will put pressure on finality dates to comply with the terms and conditions of grant aid. Construction cannot take place if approval is not granted. There is planning permission but departmental approval has not been given due to staff constraints in offices and computer problems.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am not familiar with the exact office that serves County Wicklow but I can check out the matter relating to staffing levels. I understand the close-off date for projects under the farm improvement scheme may be two years away. I am open to correction but it is not imminent. I will check the position relating to staffing levels in Wicklow that Deputy Doyle queried.

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In light of the fact that in recent years the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has underspent by millions and sent money back, will the Minister examine the possibility of adding extra funds to this scheme? It is a very valuable scheme. Will the Minister get money from elsewhere in his Department, or anywhere else, to ensure that those who have applied will be allowed to go ahead as quickly as possible?

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I know that some people from Deputy Crawford's county, Monaghan, would say Cavan people would not send back money. I am sure that some of the farmers from our two counties who were caught in the time lapse and spoke to Deputy Crawford also spoke to me.

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Many were from Cavan.

P J Sheehan (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Are they on speaking terms?

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There is provision in Towards 2016 to have a review of the terms of this scheme during 2008.

Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There is €25 million in mixed grazing.

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I do not wish to be parochial but this matter relates to the offices in north Cork, specifically Mallow, where structural issues have existed for some time that make it difficult for staff to process grants claims. I want to raise this with the Minister while we are on the subject.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am not familiar with the staffing levels of particular offices in County Cork but I will bring this matter to the attention of the Department's personnel section. Above all Departments, there has been a huge investment in technology in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in recent years. This has led to progress and efficiency and I am sure the programme will continue.

P J Sheehan (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Can the Leas-Cheann Comhairle include Question No. 128 with Question No. 94?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is not for me to group questions and I have not been advised that these questions should be taken together. That is a matter for the Minister.

P J Sheehan (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thought the Leas-Cheann Comhairle had the power to group questions.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I will let the Deputy contribute in response to this question.