Seán Conlan (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 420: To ask the Minister for Agriculture; Fisheries and Food his plans to extend deadlines to meet obligations set down under COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 1999/74/EC in view of the temporary suspension of applications for targeted agricultural modernisation schemes, pending outcome of expenditure review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17205/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Directive referred to by the Deputy relates to the new EU animal welfare standards for laying hens which are due to come into effect at the beginning of next year. As the Deputy will be aware, it is not within my competence to alter the dates of entry into force of EU Directives. However, I am examining the situation in relation to funding for the projects concerned under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme in the context of the Comprehensive Expenditure Review which is under way and I will make an announcement on the matter in the near future.