Paul Connaughton
Question:94 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the farm modernisation scheme will be available to farmers in 1999 and in subsequent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23318/98]
Written Answers. - Farm Modernisation Scheme.
The farm modernisation scheme which provided for grant aid on a wide range of on farm investments was terminated on 30 September 1985 and was subsequently replaced by the farm improvement programme in 1986 which operated until December 1994. A farm improvement programme limited to on-farm investments in horticulture was introduced in 1995 and remains in operation to provide grant aid to that sector.
The major items of on farm investment formerly covered by the farm modernisation scheme and the subsequent farm improvement programme until 1994 have been grant aided under the control of farm pollution scheme and the dairy hygiene scheme and I presume it is to these schemes that the Deputy is referring. The acceptance of applications under these schemes was suspended from April 1995 in respect of the control of farm pollution scheme and October 1996 in respect of the dairy hygiene scheme.
Additional funding has been allocated in the Estimates for 1999 for my Department to enable the reintroduction of these schemes on a more focused basis which will target grant aid towards those farmers most in need of the assistance.