Vol. 416 No. 7
31 Mr. Kavanagh asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will define smaller farmers in the context of the £1 million provided in the budget for Teagasc; and if he will provide a timetable for the implementation of a revised development plan for the organisation.
It is not intended that there should be a rigid definition of the term "smaller farmer". The £1 million extra provided for Teagasc in the budget is to enable the organisation provide additional advisory services to developmental and smaller scale farmers who have financial viability problems.
Pending receipt of a development plan for the organisation, which I understand Teagasc are currently preparing, I am not in a position to provide a timetable for its implementation.
