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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 Dec 2001

Vol. 545 No. 5

Written Answers. - Grant Payments.

Willie Penrose

Question:

118 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the scheme of grants which are available for persons who wish to pursue alternative enterprises; if there are grants available for fencing in relation to those enterprises; the eligibility criteria for participation in such schemes; if he will furnish the relevant application form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31157/01]

The scheme of investment aid in alternative enterprises provides grant aid for housing and handling facilities for horses, deer, goats, rabbits, and other agricultural enterprises not in surplus. In relation to horses, investment items eligible for aid include stables and associated concrete areas, fencing, feed storage facilities, handling facilities, horse exercise walker, all weather gallops, and water supply. The scheme is open to farmers who have a minimum of 30 income units of which at least 20 income units must come from farming and not more than 200 income units in total; fulfil certain requirements regarding agricultural experience and training; are land owners or have leasehold title to lands on which it is proposed to carry out the development; farm in accordance with good farming practice and submit a business plan in respect of the proposed enterprise.

The level of grant aid available is set at 40% for applicants with not more than 150 income units and 20% in respect of applicants with more than 150 income units, but not more than 200. The maximum investment ceiling is 31,743, £25,000, per holding in respect of horses and deer and 6,349, £5,000, in respect of other species.

Application forms and scheme documents are available in the local farm development services office of my Department. There is also a range of supports available to maximise the potential of non-thoroughbred horse breeding and production as a viable farm enterprise. These include grants for the following activities in the non-thoroughbred horse sector which are administered by the Irish Horse Board: stallion performance testing and quality brood mare competitions.

Grant aid is available also under the quality stallion purchase incentive scheme, which is operated by my Department. Under this scheme a grant of 40% of the purchase price up to a maximum payment of 12,697, £10,000, is available towards the cost of acquiring a quality stallion. Only applicants deemed to have the necessary expertise, resources and facilities to successful manage a stallion will be considered for aid. There are eligibility conditions relating to the stallions purchased. The application form and detailed conditions are being forwarded to the Deputy.

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