asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if his Department is currently offering grants for producer groups in the horticulture sector; the amount provided for this; the amount spent to date; and the number of applications received.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Horticultural Grants.
44.
Under the horticultural grants scheme individual producers and recognised producer groups may receive grants for the provision of accommodation and specialised equipment for storage, grading and preparation for market of apples and onions. Aid is also available for the formation of producer groups. Provision for the scheme as a whole is £100,000. No expenditure in respect of producer group proposals has been incurred to date. One producer group application has been received.
Would the Minister not consider that it indicates a lack of activity on somebody's part that money which has been voted by the House for a desirable development has not been spent at least in part?
Yes. The formation of producer groups is a highly desirable objective but its achievement must depend on those who make up the prospective producer group. To date, there has been no demand or an unsatisfactory demand.
Is the Minister satisfied that adequate technical advice is available in his Department for any people who might be interested?
I am.