asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if, in respect of EEC Directive 159, he will indicate (a) when aid to transitional farmers will cease and (b) the position of transitional farmers if and when aid ceases.
37.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Farming Aid.
36.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the type of aid that will be made available to a transitional farmer who is over 55 years of age.
38.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the type of aid that will be made available to a transitional farmer who is over 55 years of age.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 36, 37 and 38 together.
The provision in Directive 159/72 allowing member states to operate a temporary regime of aids for farmers not currently capable of attaining development status is valid for five years from the date on which the directive took effect, that is, up to 19th April, 1977. Aids to these farmers will not cease at that date. The directive requires the Council to reexamine the position after the five years and the types and levels of aids to be provided for this and other categories of farmers after April, 1977, will be a matter for consideration in the course of that re-examination.
Under our present scheme, transitional farmers under 55 years of age are eligible for a 50 per cent grant for land improvement and a 30 per cent grant for buildings and fixed assets. Those over 55 years, who are eligible for retirement benefits under directive 160, may receive grants of 40 per cent for land improvement and 20 per cent for buildings and fixed assets. In both cases interest subsidies may be availed of instead of grants.
Is it estimated what percentage of farmers will not receive any grants?
There will be no farmers who will not be eligible for grants.
I am sure the Minister is aware that it is very important that farmers should know if the grants will be continued. When will it be possible to have this matter discussed at EEC level to find out if there is any possibility of continuing the grants after five years?
The revision will take place in the year before 1977, not before then. There will be ample warning.
Can the Minister say if farmers who are not development farmers and who do not become transitional farmers will get grants under the scheme?
Yes. The only other category into which they could fall is that of commercial farmers.
I should like the Minister to clarify this point. Will he give the House and the country some definite information by way of brochures or pamphlets——
The Deputy is dealing with different matters.
Can the Minister state if small farmers who do not wish to become development or transitional farmers and who find it impossible to be commercial farmers will get the benefit?
These farmers must fall into some category. If they are not development or commercial farmers, they must be transitional farmers.
Can the Minister state——
The Chair is passing to the next question. As Deputies will appreciate, the Chair has given sufficient latitude on this question.
Mr. Kitt
In the application form there is a category called "other farmers". What does that mean?
The category "other farmers" covers both transitional and commercial farmers.
Mr. Kitt
Are they entitled to grants?
Yes.
It is as clear as mud.