asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, in conjunction with the Minister for Finance, he will introduce a financial package involving interest subsidy for pig producers to allow then to restructure their borrowing.
Written Answers. - Financial Package.
75.
I have no plans to introduce an interest subsidy scheme for pig producers.
The Government are committing substantial funds to the development of the pigmeat industry at the present time. In this connection, I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 30 on 15 December 1988. Plants in receipt of State and FEOGA resources are required to ensure that the benefits accrue throughout the industry.
These plants are obliged to draw up pig development programmes aimed at the primary production sector and involving various incentives for farmers. Some programmes are already in place and they included various incentives including attractive interest provisions.