asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will renew the Exchequer payment under the exchange rate guarantee on loans for agricultural purposes in 1988; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
26.
Written Answers. - Exchange Rate Guarantee Scheme.
24.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will be seeking an extension of the Euro loan scheme for farmers which was introduced in September 1986 and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 26 together.
The Exchange Rate Guarantee Scheme for farmers and private peat producers which was introduced on October 1986 is to operate until the end of 1987 and any extension of the existing scheme beyond the present termination date would have budgetary implications. In view of this it would be inappropriate for me to anticipate an extension.