Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Applications received under the Farm Improvement Scheme prior to its suspension on 31 October 2007 will be processed by my Department up to the level of funding available for the Scheme.

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 371: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of applications received from Counties Laois and Offaly under the farm improvement scheme; if a replacement scheme will be put in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29369/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Of the 12,675 applications received under the Farm Improvement Scheme prior to its suspension on 31 October 2007, 336 were received in Co. Laois and 282 in Co. Offaly.

I have no plans at present to reopen the Scheme as the applications received have reached the level of funding provided for the Scheme in the partnership agreement, Towards 2016. That agreement, however, provides for a review of its terms in 2008 which will no doubt include consideration of the possible reopening of the Scheme concerned.

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 372: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason farmers are unable to apply for the 40% grant on meal bins that are classed as luxury meal bins by her Department; and if it is Government policy to discourage farmers to better their farm equipment. [29375/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Farm Improvement Scheme, grant-aid was available for meal bins at a standard grant-rate of 40% up to a maximum eligible investment ceiling of €120,000 in accordance with my Department's Standard Costings.