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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 20 Feb 1969

Vol. 238 No. 10

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Farm Buildings Grant.

3.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will consider extending the pilot area rate of farm building grant to the 12 western counties.

The rates of grant for farm buildings which apply outside the pilot areas are reasonable and I do not propose to alter them at present.

As I have frequently explained the special rates of grants payable in pilot areas for farm buildings and other works are primarily an inducement to farmers to co-operate with their advisers in the development work which is going on in these areas and which is to a large extent of a trial or exploratory nature.

The Deputy will appreciate that there are several important schemes in operation which are designed specially for the needs of farmers in western counties. In particular special steps have been taken to strengthen the agricultural advisory service. Progressive farmers in western areas who avail of this service to carry out planned development of their holdings, including the provision or improvement of farm buildings, will derive the maximum benefit from the existing scale of grants.

In addition, those smaller farmers who come into the "potentially viable" category can avail of the Small Farm (Incentive Bonus) Scheme and in this way not only develop their holdings on a planned basis but also qualify for the bonus grants available under the Scheme.

Question No. 4 postponed.

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