Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 368: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to be in a position to announce the detailed application criteria for the €8 million sheep grant aid scheme for handling facilities and fencing; the target date when he expects to be making the first payments under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16816/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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My Department recently received EU Commission approval for the various targeted on-farm investment schemes announced by my Department in 2009. Due to the relatively short time-frames for completion of the investment works concerned, my priority is to introduce the Sow Welfare and Poultry Welfare Schemes first. Arrangements will then be made to introduce the three remaining schemes, including the Sheep Handling/Fencing Scheme.

Discussions are ongoing with the relevant farming organizations in regard to the terms and conditions of the Schemes concerned. These should be completed in the near future and I hope to be in a position to make an announcement regarding the new Schemes at that stage. Payments under the various Schemes will commence when it has been established that applicants have successfully completed investment works under the Schemes concerned.