David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 28: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the supports available to persons who want to expand or develop agricultural enterprises that are not considered to be mainstream; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43546/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Grant-aid for the completion of on-farm investments in relation to alternative enterprises was available from my Department under both the Alternative Enterprises Scheme and the Farm Improvement Scheme. Under the latter scheme, grant-aid was available for such enterprises as part of a package of general investment aid for the completion of on-farm investments. Both schemes are, however, now closed for new applications. To date in 2009, my Department has paid out €25.3 million to farmers who have completed investment works under the Schemes concerned. I have, however, no plans to reintroduce grant-aid for on-farm investments in relation to alternative enterprises at present.

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 29: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the date of payment for the 2010 instalment of the farm waste management scheme. [43630/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The arrangements for payment of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on a phased basis have been confirmed with 40 per cent being paid this year as claims are approved. In the case of the second instalment of 40 per cent, I have recently announced that, subject to Dail approval, I intend to commence payment in December 2009 with the remainder of farmers being paid in early 2010. The final instalment of 20 per cent will be paid in January 2011. I have also announced that a special ex-gratia payment not exceeding 3.5 per cent of the value of the deferred amount will be made to farmers whose Farm Waste Management grants have been partially deferred. This payment will be made in January 2011 along with the final instalment.