506 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when funding will be introduced for the investment schemes announced for pigs, poultry, sheep fencing and handling facilities, dairy hygiene and water harvesting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40091/10]

EU Commission approval for the introduction of five targeted modernisation schemes focused on supporting productive investment in the agricultural sector was received earlier this year. Due to the relatively short time-frames for completion of the investment works concerned, priority was given to the introduction of the Sow Welfare and Poultry Welfare Schemes which were launched on 16 June last. The Sheep Fencing/Handling Scheme opened for applications on 1 November. No dates have yet been fixed for the introduction of the Dairy Equipment and Water Harvesting Schemes.