asked the Minister for Agriculture, in view of the disastrous effect that the withdrawal of the EEC subsidy on ground limestone will have on Irish agriculture generally, if he plans to have this scheme funded from the National Exchequer.
477.
Written Answers. - EEC Agricultural Subsidies.
476.
asked the Minister for Agriculture, in view of the very serious effect that the withdrawal of the EEC subsidy for AI services will have on Irish dairying plus the fact that it is vital that the industry will surpass the 4.65 per cent granted for the coming year, the plans he has to fund this scheme from the National Exchequer.
478.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in order to protect the high quality of cattle now being produced in the country, he will take immediate steps to ensure that the AI subsidies now being paid, be continued after 1 May, 1984.
479.
Mr. Noonan
(Limerick West):Mr. H. Byrne and Mr. Kitt asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will provide for the further continuation of the AI and lime subsidy schemes out of Exchequer funds, following the termination of the EEC Schemes, in view of their serious repercussions for agriculture and for employment in the AI stations and ground limestone industry.
480.
asked the Minister for Agriculture the savings involved in discontinuing the AI and lime subsidy.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 476 to 480, inclusive, together.
Since the EEC Regulation under which the lime and AI subsidy schemes operated expired on 30 April 1984, extension of the subsidies was not possible. A renewal of the subsidy schemes requires a specific proposal by the EEC Commission and its subsequent approval by the Council of Ministers. Efforts will be continued to get the Commission to put forward a proposal. If such a proposal were to emerge it would be some time before it comes before the Council.
Continuation of the subsidies with funding solely from the National Exchequer also would require EEC approval. The amount provided in the 1984 Estimates for the schemes was £11.7 million. Estimated expenditure for the schemes operation to 30 April 1984 is about £6 million.