29 Mr. McGahon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when he will announce the date for the new farm waste management grants and dairy hygiene grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17780/00]

Under the National Development Plan 2000-2006, provision is made for a farm waste management scheme and a scheme for the improvement of dairy hygiene standards. A significant level of funding amounting to some £217 million has been allocated for these measures.

These on-farm investment measures will form part of the new regional operational programmes for the Border, midland and western region and the southern and eastern region. Clearance to proceed requires the approval of the European Commission. The broad clearance procedure is already well under way, as negotiations with the European Commission on the community support framework for Ireland, necessary to draw down the EU element of the funds, have recently been completed.