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.

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.