asked the Minister for Agriculture if his attention has been drawn to a recent article (details supplied) which indicated that the provision of waste disposal facilities would be eligible for grant-aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waste Disposal Grants.
10.
I am aware that the recently introduced Community structural policy permits aid to be given in certain limited circumstances for poultry investments necessitated by official requirements in regard to the protection of the environment. The new investment aid scheme to replace the farm modernisation scheme is at present being finalised. It is not possible at this stage to indicate whether provision for aid for poultry waste facilities will be included in the scheme.
Is the Minister aware that a serious situation has arisen in County Monaghan, which is an intensive poultry production area, especially after last year which was a bad year, with regard to the disposal of waste which is used for the fertilisation of land, as a compost for mushrooms and for animal feed. At the moment poultry stores and yards are required to hold this material during the winter period when it is not being used.
I am aware of this matter and I am keeping it under examination, as well as other problems relating to effluent disposal and so on. We will have to await the announcement of the new scheme.
Is the Minister aware that the planning authorities are very concerned about the matter? At present one operator in Monaghan purchases all the waste material and sells it to different agencies. Planning authorities had been concerned because the waste was left outside and caused pollution. From now on it is essential that stores or yards be made available but it is not possible for the people in business to do this out of their own resources.
I am fully aware of the problems outlined by the Deputy. We are keeping a close eye on that matter at the moment.
Is the Minister aware of the growing anxiety with regard to waste disposal in the Sheelin catchment area? Is he aware that ecological and environmental people are making studies in the area because the mayfly was expected to return there as a result of the scheme of slurry disposal which was operated by a Fianna Fáil Government but which was ceased by his Government? Is he planning to put that scheme into operation again even for a brief period in order to provide an opportunity for ecological development?
That is a separate question and must be treated accordingly.
Can the Minister explain why the matter of slurry disposal is different from the question of waste disposal?
The Chair has no control in regard to how questions are answered.
Just as the Minister has no control over the whole operation I am referring to.
The duties of the Chair are defined clearly.
Can the Minister indicate whether it will be possible to provide these facilities under the same scheme as the scheme that is funded from Europe for the disposal of slurry and effluent? Can he indicate also whether any proposals have been put by the Government to Europe on the matter of aid for livestock marts for the same kind of waste disposal in 1986 and, if so, if there has been any response?
The question of the marts is a separate one.
The Minister is acting the coward. He is running away from the question.
I am moving to the next question.