Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. The recently announced farm investment grants are very welcome. However, many farmers are anxious that these grants be administered as quickly as possible. Many improvements require investment and this is the time of year when such works should be carried out. Farmers want to plan ahead in the knowledge of the finance they will be able to get before starting improvements on farmyards.

I am somewhat sceptical about schemes requiring approval from Europe. Officials from the Department of Agriculture and Food are inclined to say that the issue is being dealt with in Brussels or has not been signed off by the Minister. I sometimes wonder whether these announcements are made to coincide with a particular occasion. I know the Minister of State has the farmers' interests at heart and I am anxious that these grants be administered as quickly as possible. Many people are looking forward to investing in their farms and developing various areas and the sooner the grants are available the better. I am sure the Minister of State will have good news for me.