416 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on water meters being installed on farms; her further views on whether farmers costs are increasing all the time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14045/07]

In the first instance, the issue of water meters on farms is a matter for the Local Authorities. However, I am aware of the concerns expressed by the farming community in regard to this issue and I am conscious of the need to ensure that usage of metered water on farms for agricultural purposes is kept to a minimum. Thus, for example, the technical specifications for farm buildings operated by my Department for the purposes of the Farm Waste Management Scheme require the installation of adequate arrangements for the separation of clean and dirty water as part of the conditions of any new investment. In addition, I extended the terms of that Scheme in March 2006 to include the provision of grant-aid for the installation of guttering on existing buildings as a further new eligible item.

As far as the new 2007-2013 Rural Development Programme is concerned, I have provided that grant-aid will be available under the new Farm Improvement Scheme for, inter alia, the installation of water retention equipment on farms. This Scheme will be introduced as soon as EU approval is received for the Programme.