Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 28: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the new rural development schemes as announced by him in summer 2009 will actually be open for applications from farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16928/10]

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.