Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Nov 1996

Vol. 471 No. 5

Written Answers. - Dairy Hygiene Scheme.

Brendan Smith

Question:

159 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether the scheme which provides £500 of grant assistance towards the purchase of milking machine parts will continue in view of its importance to many small milk quota holders who need to upgrade their farm dairy facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21241/96]

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

The dairy hygiene scheme, under which grant aid was available towards the purchase of milking machine parts, was suspended for new applications from 4 October 1996. However, should additional funds become available as a result of the mid-term review of the Structural Funds, consideration will be given to the reintroduction of the scheme in a modified form.