Phil Hogan
Question:80 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the recently announced agri-tourism grant scheme, to cover the whole country, will commence, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Agri-Tourism Grant Scheme.
James Leonard
Question:81 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he proposes to review agri-tourism in view of the limited benefits for the provision of bed and breakfast and guest house accommodation.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 81 together.
An agri-tourism scheme covering the entire country will be included in the operational programme for rural development which will be submitted to the EC Commission in the immediate future. In formulating the proposed scheme, account has been taken of experience with the agri-tourism scheme already operating under the programme for western development. The commencement and content of the proposed new scheme will depend on the consultations with the Commission on the programme.