Vol. 402 No. 6
28 Mr. Harte asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the effect which the non-payment of farm development grants will have on applicants whose grants have been approved for payment having regard to the fact that the money being paid out is EC funded; and if funds which have not been paid out before a given date will have to be returned to the EC Commission.
Approved grants under the schemes of investment aid for farmers are paid when the work is satisfactorily completed. The relevant re-imbursement is subsequently claimed from the EC Commission. As regards the western package which is due to expire in April next, arrangements are being made to grant extensions of time to applicants who have made a substantial commitment to the work. This will enable them to complete the work and so qualify for payment of the grant.
I can assure the Deputy that the total amount available under the Community support framework for investment aid to farmers will be fully drawn down.
