Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 April 2014
221. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will introduce installation aid for young farmers; if such aid will be available to farmers who have already commenced farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15904/14]
View answerThe consultation paper prepared by my Department in relation to the proposed measures for inclusion in Ireland’s Rural Development programme for 2014-2020 includes a commitment to the introduction of an enhanced grant scheme for young farmers who invest in farm infrastructure, with a specific grant rate of 60 per cent compared to the standard grant rate of 40 per cent which will be generally available under other on-farm investment schemes. Within the limits of the EU provisions governing the new Rural Development Programme, I will be endeavouring to ensure that as many young farmers as possible can avail of the enhanced grant scheme when the national measures are introduced following receipt of the required EU Commission approval for the Programme.
