asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will explain the reductions made in a recent circular issued by his Department in respect of grants under the farm modernisation scheme.
185.
Written Answers. - Farm Modernisation Scheme.
184.
asked the Minister for Agriculture the amount of money the Government have saved this year as a result of the phasing out of some grants under the farm modernisation scheme; and if he will give details of the grants abolished.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Question Nos. 184 and 185 together.
The only grant discontinued in the recent modifications of the farm modernisation scheme was the 10 per cent grant for mobile equipment.
The other modifications were as follows:—(a) A reduction of five percentage points in the levels of grant-aid for all categories of farmers in respect of land improvement, farm buildings and fixed equipment; (b) the placing of a maximum cost of £740 per hectare and a maximum area per applicant of 40 hectares on grant aided schemes.
As these modifications only apply to approvals issued after 13 August 1981 it is unlikely that there will be any saving in grant expenditure this year.