James Bannon (Fine Gael)

Are the farmers 100% happy with what the Minister signed in Europe last Sunday? There is a small window of opportunity within which to draw down grants. The Minister referred to the postponement of the commencement of the regulations from 1 January 2006 to 1 February 2006. For a farmer to have sewerage facilities in place, the farmer must draw up plans and then submit an application for planning permission. Will the Minister arrange for the fast-tracking of planning permission on behalf of farmers for the provision of sewerage facilities? There are only six weeks available and the Minister is aware of the length of time it can take for some local authorities to make a decision on a planning application. What special arrangements will the Minister put in place to facilitate the provision of sewerage facilities for farmers by 1 February 2006?