Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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184. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which poultry and pig producers have been in a position to comply with animal welfare directives requiring extra housing accommodation for sow and poultry units; if the local authorities have been in a position to facilitate the expeditious process of applications; the extent to which he has received any communication from the various regions in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21792/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the difficulties which have been faced by a small number of pig producers in obtaining planning permission for the investment works which are required to be carried out on their farms in order to meet the new EU animal welfare standards which came into effect for the sector on 1 January 2013. In order to assist such farmers, I extended the closing-date for receipt of applications under the TAMS Sow Welfare Scheme on three occasions, with a final date for receipt of applications of Friday, 3 May 2013. In the case of the TAMS Poultry Welfare Scheme, the closing-date for receipt of applications was 12 August 2011. My Department maintains regular contact with the relevant local authorities in regard to issues which arise in relation to planning permission for the construction of animal housing which is required in order to comply with the new EU animal welfare standards concerned.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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185. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact that his Department will not accept certification by an appropriate planning professional to the effect that some accommodation developments required for compliance with animal welfare legislation are largely in accord the respective planning applications as is normally the practice where a slight variation with plans submitted occurs; if a means can be found to resolve such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21793/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I assume the Deputy refers to the terms of both the TAMS Sow Welfare and Poultry Welfare Schemes. Under the terms of both Schemes, each grant application must be accompanied by either full planning permission or a declaration of exemption issued by the relevant local authority. Where a small variation occurs between the approved dimensions and the completed structure, the applicant is required to get confirmation from the relevant local authority that the completed structure is in compliance with the terms and conditions of the planning permission. As both Schemes are now closed for applications, I have no plans to amend with retroactive effect the provisions of either Scheme.