Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 111: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason the Farm Development Services are not processing application forms by farmers under the improvement scheme which are correctly filled out and sent to them by Teagasc for the installation of bulk feed bins, milk tanks and milking machines which are exempt from planning permission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21784/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Farm Improvement Scheme was introduced by my Department last July and provides grant-aid for, inter alia, animal housing, slurry storage facilities and investments in relation to dairy hygiene.

Under the Scheme, grant-aid is available up to a maximum eligible investment ceiling of €120,000 with a separate ceiling of €120,000 being applicable in the case of dairy hygiene measures. The standard grant-rate is 40% for animal housing and related storage facilities and for dairy hygiene investments, with a 10% top-up grant being available for eligible young farmers in certain cases. Approvals to commence work are now being issued to farmers who have submitted completed applications for grant-aid under the Scheme. I have asked that applications, not requiring planning permission be death with very quickly.