Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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246. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans for implementing new schemes such as dairy hygiene support and sheep handling facilities support that were referred to in the past; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38080/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The draft Rural Development Programme for the 2014-2020 period was submitted to the EU Commission for approval in July 2014 and includes provision for a suite of on-farm investment schemes. The following investment areas have been identified as priorities to be targeted in the initial stages:

(i) dairy equipment,

(ii) low emission spreading equipment,

(iii) animal welfare and farm safety (specifically beef and sheep handling facilities),

(iv) pig and poultry investments in energy, water meters and medicine dispensers,

(v) organic capital investment; and

(vi) a young farmer capital investment scheme.

The investment areas will subsequently be expanded to cover farm nutrient storage and animal housing. The definitive list of investment items eligible for support will be made available when EU Commission approval for the Programme has been received.