Joe Jacob
Question:25 Mr. Jacob asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he proposes to make the installation aid programme more suited to small farmers.
Written Answers. - Grant Payments.
John Ellis
Question:33 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will review the position in relation to installation aid for young farmers.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 33 together.
Under the Programme for Economic and Social Progress the Government agreed to a greater flexibility in the operation of the installation scheme for young farmers.
Subject to the approval of the EC Commission I propose to make the following changes.
(a) Part time farmers will be given up to two years to become full time farmers,
(b) Applications will be given up to two years to develop an enterprise representing one labour unit.
(c) Where the applicant is a land-owner account will be taken of land taken on a long term lease.
These changes should enable a greater number of small farmers to qualify for the benefits of the scheme.