Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Nov 1991

Vol. 412 No. 6

Written Answers. - Agricultural Increases.

Enda Kenny

Question:

43 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline his proposals to increase agricultural incomes in the west of Ireland, if his attention has been drawn to the very depressed state of the industry in that region at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. O'Kennedy)

I am very conscious of the problems of low farm family income being experienced by some farming families in the west of Ireland, in common with some families outside the west of Ireland and outside the farming community.

In the agricultural sector, very many measures are in operation which provide support and assistance to farmers in addition to social welfare provisions where applicable. The EC funded market support measures enable the producer to benefit from returns considerably above those which the market alone would provide. In addition, subsidies under the disadvantaged areas programme and all the livestock schemes are of particular benefit to low incomes farmers in the disadvantaged areas, which have recently been extended. The operational programme for rural development was recently launched to improve the living standards of those residing in rural areas. This is a multi-sectoral programme which will involve investment of £100 million up to and including 1993 in alternative enterprises, rural infrastructure, small and Community enterprises and agricultural and fisheries training. In addition the EC's own initiative on rural development known as "LEADER" has been put into operation. Under this, group projects will be funded to the extent of £34 million. While those schemes are nationwide in operation it is clear that substantial benefit from them will accrue to the west of Ireland.

Finally a package of measures aimed specifically at the west of Ireland — the western package — has been in operation, with the assistance of Community funds since 1980. Many of the elements contained in it will be continued on a nationwide basis.