Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 30 Jun 1994

Vol. 444 No. 7

Written Answers. - Alternative Farm Enterprises.

Enda Kenny

Question:

86 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the assistance, if any, that is available in respect of diversification schemes in agriculture including ostrich farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. J. Walsh)

The scheme of grant aid for investments in alternative farm enterprises, which operated under the 1989-93 Structural Funds ended on 31 December 1993, except for completion and payment in 1994 of grant aid on outstanding work approved by that date.

My Department's proposals for an operational programme to implement the agriculture, rural development and forestry aspect of theNational Development Plan 1994-1999 provide for continuation of the farm diversification measures promoted under the previous scheme and for extension of the scheme to cater for other worth-while species. Ostrich farming is likely to be eligible for aid under the proposed new scheme, subject to EU approval.

A new alternative farm enterprise scheme cannot be launched until the operational programme has been approved in Brussels.