Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 30 Jan 2002

Vol. 547 No. 1

Written Answers. - National Development Plan.

Denis Naughten

Question:

316 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the reason funding under the national development plan for the scheme of investment aid for the potato sector has been cut by 13% in 2002; when further applications will be considered for the next tranche of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1938/02]

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

In line with an overall allocation for national development plan related initiatives, an indicative allocation of 0.702 million is being made available this year for the scheme of investment aid for potatoes. This represents an increase of 0.371 million on expenditure under the scheme in 2001. It is proposed to have the next tranche of approvals in the latter half of 2002.