Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 18 Dec 1997

Vol. 485 No. 4

Written Answers. - Departmental Estimates.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

30 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline the factors which have lead to a reduction of £89 million for agriculture as indicated in table 5 in the 1998 book of Estimates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19708/97]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

Components of Votes 10, 25, 30 and 31 constitute the figure of £89 million referred to by the Deputy.

In respect of Vote 31 (Agriculture and Food), a difference of some £51 million between the estimated 1997 out-turn and the 1998 estimate figures for net non-capital supply services is indicated. However, the Abridged Estimates published in November were pre-budget and as such the 1998 Estimate allocations for my Department need to be viewed in the context of substantial additional funds provided through a Supplementary Estimate for 1997 and the changes announced in the 1998 budget which result in 1997 out-turns being likely to exceed the 1998 estimate in a number of subheads e.g. over £37 million in respect of subhead M4, (Aids to Farmers in Certain Less Favoured Areas); £24.5 million in respect of subhead J6, (Agrimonetary Compensation); and over £4.25 million in respect of subhead C2, (Bovine TB and Brucellosis Eradication).

As substantial funds were paid out in the early years of the operational programme, the available Structural Funds for the remaining two years of the programme have been diminished. In addition, the strengthening of the IR£ against the ECU has impacted negatively on the amount of funding available.

The 1998 budget shows and the Revised Estimates, when published, will underline the Government's commitment to farmers, the rural community and all sectors of society.