Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

I note Senator Bradford raised that issue earlier.

As I mentioned last week, the introduction of the young farmers' installation scheme in June 2007 under the Rural Development Programme provided a grant level of €15,000, an increase of 58% compared to the preceding scheme, to farmers between the ages of 18 and 35. When all of the requirements under the scheme were satisfied, 941 applications were received by the Department under the scheme prior to its suspension on budget day. Of these, 315 applications have been already paid, totalling €4.725 million. All fully completed applications entered into under the scheme up to and including budget day will be processed by the Department and, if in order, payment will be made. That was the undertaking that was given.

As Senator Bradford rightly pointed out, the suspension that is in operation means all applicants will be processed in accordance with the rules that are laid down but it is, unfortunately, the case that we cannot take further applicants until the suspension is lifted. However, the payments are proceeding and, as I mentioned, there already has been €4.725 million paid out.

On the farm waste management scheme, it has been well and truly stated in as clear a manner as possible which leaves no room for ambiguity that the European Commission has told us without any doubt that the deadline stands. Based on its long tolerance of Ireland not complying with the Nitrates Directive over many years, the Commission basically asked us not to stretch its tolerance any further and it is at the end of the line. That message, I hope, has been stated clearly. It is not fair to give any impression otherwise. Politically, I would like to state that there is scope or wriggle room but if I were to say that, it would not only be dishonest but would also send out a message that people who are working towards the deadline may have a plan B. Unfortunately, there is not a plan B. I do not want to give any such false impression. I hope that all things considered — the downturn in construction and reasonable weather over which we have no control — ultimately we will be able to ensure the schemes are completed by the due date.

Senator Bradford also mentioned energy. This is one of those global debates. There is a clear conflict world wide due to difficult choices. I believe, however, there is a clear choice. The choice people tend to make is between whether one feeds the petrol tank or the stomach. It is not a question of either-or because there are different types of land, there are different rotations in farming that can complement both serving a food need and an energy need, and then there is the addition of forestry and other aspects that perhaps would not have a food element.

In this country we are focussing on not being exclusive about it but ensuring they complement each other. For example, in my area of north County Dublin many brassica farmers are not particularly keen to see nearby rape seed growing because it is a brassica and they do not want to be affected by any of the disease problems that might come with a brassica. Whether grown for energy or for food is beside the point. These are technical aspects of the issue that need to be kept to the forefront as well.