Question 11: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to be in a position to announce details of on-farm investment schemes for the pig and poultry sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16791/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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As part of proposals in relation to the use of unspent Single Payment Scheme and Modulation funds and the European Economic Recovery Programme, I announced in 2009 that, subject to the receipt of EU Commission approval, I intended to introduce support for a number of specific categories of farmers which would be focused on supporting productive investment. The measures include:-

A scheme for dairy farmers to make the necessary investment to adjust to expanding dairy opportunities and promote the operation of cost-effective commercial operations;

Aid for sheep fencing and handling facilities to assist sheep farmers in reducing labour input in a vulnerable sector;

Aid for farmers for water harvesting and conservation equipment, which will reduce water costs on farms;

Animal welfare grants (a) for pig producers to assist in the conversion to loose housing for sows; and (b) for poultry producers to assist in the conversion to enriched cages, free range or barn systems.

EU Commission approval for the above-mentioned schemes has recently been received and, 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. 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 Sow Welfare and Poultry Welfare Schemes at that stage.