Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 12: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she intends adopting in the administration of the farm waste management package, particularly to ensure the quick processing of planning applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18561/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Following receipt of the required EU approval, the revised Farm Waste Management Scheme was launched by my Department on 24 March 2006. Application forms, together with the accompanying terms and conditions, are available from the local Agricultural Environment and Structures (AES) offices of my Department and are also available on my Department's web-site.

The principal changes to the Scheme include (a) an increase in the standard grant-rate from 40% to 60%, with 70% being available in the four Zone C counties; (b) an extension of the Scheme for the first time to sectors such as horses, deer, goats, pigs and poultry, and mushroom compost; (c) the removal of any minimum income requirements from farming from the Scheme so that all small farmers can participate in the Scheme; and (d) an increase in the maximum eligible investment from €75,000 to €120,000 per holding.

As the Scheme closes for applications at the end of 2006, I have also arranged that applications will be accepted by my Department as soon as any required planning permission has been applied for to the relevant local authority. This will ensure that any delays in obtaining such permission will not impinge on the farmer's entitlement to the new grant rates available under the Scheme. I would urge farmers to make use of this opportunity to participate in the Scheme by ensuring that their application forms are received in good time.