Vol. 478 No. 1
233 Mr. O'Leary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will make grant aid available to a limited number of small holders in south Kerry in order to enable them to establish and develop their holdings as a breeding centre for Connemara and Welsh ponies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10453/97]
The Deputy may wish to note that one of the supplementary measures under the rural environment protection scheme, operated by my Department, provides for additional payments to participants who keep animals of specified rare breeds which are in danger of extinction. The Connemara pony is designated as such a rare breed and accordingly attracts the available REPS payment of 100 ECU per livestock unit. To avail of this payment applicants must be participating in REPS, be a member of the relevant breed society or approved conservation agency and participate in the programmes for the conservation of the breed. There are no funds available to me to provide aid in excess of that provided under REPS.
