Vol. 548 No. 2
182 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if, in view of the concentration of ownership of lands in the hands of persons (details supplied) he will consider making the installation aid scheme more attractive by removing the income unit restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4590/02]
The current installation aid scheme was introduced less than a year ago, following extensive consultation. The new scheme incorporates a number of significant changes over the previous scheme, including a higher premium of €9,520, an increase of 34% on that payable under the earlier scheme. Our projections are that 4,000 young farmers will enter agriculture with assistance from the new scheme up to end-2006.
This scheme is reviewed on an ongoing basis, including eligibility conditions such as income unit levels, in order to ensure that it remains both attractive and relevant to young farmers.
183 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork was refused installation aid. [4591/02]
The installation aid scheme is confined to farmers who were set up in farming on owned or leased land for the first time on or after 1 January 2000. An examination of the application in this case revealed that the person named was set up in farming prior to that date. Accordingly he is ineligible for the scheme. The person named was informed on 5 February 2002.
