Michael Creed
Question:37 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will introduce a scheme of installation aid for young farmers funded exclusively by the Exchequer. [9387/98]
Written Answers - Installation Aid.
The scheme of installation aid for young farmers introduced under the Operational Programme for Agriculture, Rural Development and Forestry was suspended on 7 August 1997 when the available funding was exhausted. I have secured the agreement of the Minister for Finance to the reintroduction of a revised scheme targeted towards smaller farmers. This new scheme will be 100 per cent financed by the Exchequer.
The terms of the new scheme, on which the farming organisations have been consulted, are being finalised within my Department and the measure will then be submitted to the Department of Finance for approval. The approval of the EU Commission will also be required before the measure can come into operation.