Vol. 417 No. 9
278 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline the financial support and other measures he has taken for the purpose of maintaining a successful deer farming industry in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Deer farming is one of the enterprises eligible for aid under the alternative enterprises scheme (AES), which forms part of the operational programme for rural development. Under the scheme financial assistance, at a rate of 50 per cent of the approved cost of fencing, housing and handling facilities is available to deer farmers in less favoured areas and 40 per cent elsewhere subject to a maximum investment ceiling of £20,000 per applicant over the period of the programme (1991 to 1993)
A grant is also payable towards the cost of female breeding stock required to establish a new herd or expand an existing herd subject to a maximum grant of £4,000 per application.
