asked the Minister for Agriculture why the scheme for aid to groups of farmers for the joint investment schemes for fodder production, and for improvements and equipment schemes for pasture and hill grazing land which is farmed jointly, to which EEC aid at 25 per cent is available, has got off to such a slow start that no eligible expenditure at all was incurred in 1975 and 1976; and if any special promotional effort for this scheme will be undertaken by the advisory service, particularly in western counties.
Written Answers . - EEC Joint Investment Schemes .
153.
: The scheme referred to was introduced in Ireland with effect from November 1976. The response to the scheme, especially in relation to aid for purchase of machinery for fodder production, has been highly satisfactory. Approximately 3,500 groups participated in its first year of operation representing a capital investment of about £4 million and over £900,000 has been paid in grant aid to date.
The scheme has got widespread publicity as is evident from the response to it and every opportunity is availed of to promote it further among farmers in the disadvantaged areas.