Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 27 Jun 1996

Vol. 467 No. 6

Written Answers. - Grant Payments.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

45 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the number of applications received to date under the EU farm improvement programme; the number of applications granted; the average grant-aid paid; if he has satisfied himself that the potential of the programme for horticultural development is being maximised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13786/96]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

Under the farm improvement programme for horticulture a total of 92 applications have been received to date. Approvals have issued in respect of 29 of these representing a grant commitment of over £300,000 on a gross investment of some £830,000. While the average grant approval is some £10,300 individual grant approvals vary greatly depending on the nature of the investment being undertaken.

When drawing up the guidelines relating to the scheme the need to allow farmers the opportunity to respond to evolving market conditions was recognised and consequently the list of eligible items was greatly extended. Changes introduced include the provision of grant aid in the soft fruit sector and the addition of new items to the list of those grant aidable in the mushroom sector.

With the changes introduced to the scheme I am satisfied the farm improvement programme has the potential to make a significant contribution to the development of the horticulture sector.