Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 95: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when farmers will be awarded the outstanding farm waste management grants; his views on the fact that farmers entered into agreement with their banks in good faith that payments would be made according to the charter of farmers rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4785/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Farm waste Management Scheme was introduced by my Department in March 2006 in order to assist farmers meet the additional requirements of the Nitrates Directive and closed for the receipt of payment claims on 31 December 2008. Almost 17,400 payment claims remain to be processed in 2009 and my Department is continuing to carry out inspections on completed work carried out under the Scheme.

Last week, the Government took a number of decisions on the overall Expenditure Control and Economic Strategy that included the funding for the Farm Waste Management Scheme and arrangements for payment of grant aid on a phased basis. My Department is in discussion with the Department of Finance on the implications for the Department's Vote and the details that will be published in the Revised Estimates Volume next month.

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 96: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of applications for the farm waste management scheme which are awaiting processing; when he expects his Department to pay the outstanding grants; the budget available for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5049/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The deadline for completion of work and the submission of claims for grant payment under the Farm Waste Management Scheme expired on 31 December 2008 although applicants were permitted to submit certain supporting documentation up to 9 January 2009. Almost 17,400 payment claims remain to be processed to payment stage under the Scheme in 2009. The Book of Estimates provides €125 million for the Scheme in 2009.

Last week, the Government took a number of decisions on the overall Expenditure Control and Economic Strategy that included the funding for the Farm Waste Management Scheme and arrangements for payment of grant aid on a phased basis. My Department is in discussion with the Department of Finance on the implications for the Department's Vote and the details that will be published in the Revised Estimates Volume next month.