Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 May 1992

Vol. 420 No. 5

Written Answers. - Farming Entrants.

Paul Bradford

Question:

30 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he is concerned at the drop in the level of new entrants to farming over the past number of years; his views on whether the inadequate level of farm installation aid and the continuing imposition of stamp duties is a contributory factor in the decline in new farm entrants; and if, in view of the present cost to the State of an industrial job, he will seek extra incentives to assist those who wish to enter farming.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

Since the introduction of the scheme of installation aid for young Farmers in 1986 some 2,044 applicants have received premia totalling £11.5 million.

Following negotiations with the EC the conditions for eligibility have been relaxed. A young farmer on setting up in full time farming for the first time can now have up to two years in which to satisfy the labour requirement. In addition leased land can be taken into account in calculating the labour input. The revised conditions should extend the benefits of the scheme to a bigger number of applicants.

The installation aid is not the only incentive for new entrants to farming. Young farmers also qualify for an additional 25 per cent aid for works carried out under the on farm investment aid schemes operated by my Department.

The various issues affecting land transfer will be considered in the context of the preparation of the Development Programme for the agriculture and food sector on which work is already underway in my Department.