asked the Minister for Agriculture the number of applications submitted under the farm modernisation scheme in South Tipperary which were refused grants due to the budgetary decision to discontinue this scheme.
Written Answers. - Farm Modernisation Scheme Grants.
639.
A total of 95 applications from farmers in South Tipperary for grant-aid under the Farm Modernisation Scheme which were received prior to 10 February 1983 were refused as a result of the suspension of grant-aid for farm buildings and fixed assets and the termination of grant-aid for mobile equipment.
640.
asked the Minister for Agriculture the reason farmers with a limited number of acres and who have a pig enterprise in order to supplement their income do not qualify for the farm modernisation grants.
EEC Directive 72/159 on which the farm modernisation scheme is based requires that, where grant-aid is provided for investment in pig production, the farm must be capable of producing at least 35 per cent of the feedingstuff requirement of the pig enterprise. Farms with limited acreage which can meet this requirement are eligible for grant-aid under the scheme.