The establishment of the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) was planned on the basis that it would be an industry-led and largely industry funded co-operative organisation with a commitment from my Department to support it in its formative years. This support is to be provided by way of grant assistance and through the provision of staff-facilities. My Department's contribution is related to the contributions being made by the other stakeholders.
On the above basis, my Department's estimated financial contribution for 1997 is approximately £200,000 based on a full year of operations. However, the ICBF was not formed until June 1997 and is not yet fully operational. In view of this, expenditure has been slow and, as an interim arrangement, each organisation has agreed to provide 25 per cent of its committed amount to meet the revised estimated costs in 1997. Hence my Department will be contributing £50,000 this year. The type and size of contribution to be made by my Department in 1998 will be decided when the ICBF has finalised its plans for that year and the contributions of all the stakeholders have been agreed.