Ned O'Keeffe
Question:79 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the grant aid which will be made available to owners of small abattoirs to upgrade their existing premises. [6187/02]
Written Answers. - Grant Payments.
Under the national development plan for the food sector, provision was made to assist capital projects in the livestock sector, including domestic abattoirs.
Abattoirs fall within the ambit of the processing and marketing provisions of the EU guidelines for state aid in the agricultural sector. One such provision stipulates that aid may only be granted to enterprises that comply with existing minimum standards. Projects are assessed on a case by case basis and aid may be made available for further development and improvements of enterprises that already comply with minimum standards regarding hygiene, animal welfare and the environment.
The rate of aid is 40% of approved eligible costs and generally investments exceeding €100,000 will be considered for assistance.
John Perry
Question:80 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the pro gress made on an appeal by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6188/02]
The appeal concerned relates to a request by the person named to have a late area aid application accepted. The area aid unit has reviewed this case and is prepared to accept the reasons given and allow the appeal. Any area aid related payments will issue as soon as possible.