Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 May 2001

Vol. 535 No. 1

Written Answers - Foot and Mouth Disease.

Jim Higgins

Question:

205 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will consider introducing a subsidy on fertiliser purchased by farmers in order to alleviate the hardship endured by farmers due to foot and mouth disease and poor grass growth. [11510/01]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

I have no plans to introduce a specific subsidy on fertiliser purchases. A subsidy of this nature would constitute a state aid under EU competition rules and would require the prior approval of the EU Commission.