Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 141: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will review the eligibility criteria for the CFP grant scheme; if she will facilitate a reduction in the minimum number of livestock units required to entitle a farmer to apply for grant aid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9819/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

At present, a minimum of 20 income units from farming is required in the case of applicants for grants under the on-farm investment schemes. This includes the farm waste management scheme which has now replaced the control of farm pollution scheme. The European Commission has repeatedly opposed any relaxation of this minimum income requirement despite several approaches by my Department on the matter. Consultations are currently ongoing with the European Commission in regard to the action programme for implementation of the nitrates directive in Ireland. The question of possible changes to the conditions of the farm waste management scheme will be considered in the light of the outcome of these consultations.