asked the Minister for Agriculture if he proposes to withdraw the restrictions introduced in June 1982 in regard to supplementary investment being added to a farm development plan during the currency of the plan.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Farm Development Plan.
17.
Mr. Leonard
The restriction on aid for new supplementary investment was introduced because of a ruling by the EEC Commission against the practice previously followed here. To withdraw the restriction would jeopardise EEC recoupment of part of the cost of the Farm Modernisation Scheme.
Mr. Leonard
It is a waste of time probably to ask supplementaries on the disallowance of additions to their plan when the complete plan has been suspended. I ask the Minister to have another look at this measure which was introduced in the budget regarding the suspension of the Farm Modernisation Scheme. This will have a very serious effect. It will curb completely the development of many young farmers. In that area a multi-million pound industry has mushroomed over the last couple of years. They have plans for extension of their compost and processing plant development, but they anticipated that the growers would be getting grant aid for their housing. If they do not get that aid it will be practically impossible for them to continue. I ask that in instances like that allowances be made in this farm development scheme.
The Deputy is aware that a very intensive review is going on at the moment concerning all matters relating to the Farm Modernisation Scheme, not alone here but also in Brussels. We hope that we will have a very imaginative package at the end of this year as far as farm buildings are concerned.
Mr. Leonard
Would the Minister agree that it should be carried out as a matter of urgency because delay could have a serious effect of the development of agriculture?
It will be carried out as a matter of urgency.