asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the anomaly in the farm modernisation scheme regarding mobile milk tanks, which are not grant-aided except for development farmers, who receive a 10 per cent grant aid; that similar non-mobile tanks are grant-aided for all category farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Mobile Milk Tanks .
13.
: The grant position in relation to bulk milk tanks is as indicated by the Deputy. A review of present arrangements is currently in progress and when this is completed I will consider what changes, if any, may be warranted.
: Would the Minister not agree that the present system is unfair to small farmers in isolated areas? Farmers living in better areas who have tanks in their yards that can be collected get grants for them. I should like an assurance that the review will take place as soon as possible.
: I accept what Deputy J. Walsh says. There is undoubtedly an anomaly that seems to disfavour smaller holders, especially in remote areas. The situation should be correoted, and I will use every opportunity that I get to seek that correction.
: Does the problem arise from the fact that the bulk tank is fixed in position whereas the mobile tank is mobile?
: That is right.