asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will increase substantially the grant paid to Macra na Feirme in order to facilitate the extended training programme which the organisation is anxious to undertake.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Macra na Feirme Grant.
28.
The annual grant to Macra na Feirme was raised from £12,000 in the year 1973-74 to £13,500 for the nine-months' period April to December, 1974 and to £18,000 for the current calendar year. This represents an increase of 50 per cent. There is no possibility of a further increase being granted this year but I have informed the organisation that I will favourably consider a request for a new increase in 1976.
In view of the worthwhile contribution of Macra na Feirme in the field of farm education and management, would the Minister not accept that £18,000 is a small amount?
I do, but it is twice the amount previously provided and represents a substantial increase. In addition, we now employ deputy CAOs who are directly responsible for education and this should be a help to Macra na Feirme in their work.
Will the Minister give consideration to increasing it?
I have already so informed the organisation.