asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if, in view of the fact that farm modernisation scheme grants will not be paid until the farm plan is completed, which may take some years and which will mean heavy financial strain on the applicants, he will introduce some assistance by way of interest free loans or reduced interest loans to help farmers engaged in this work.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Farm Modernisation Scheme.
6.
Capital grants in respect of approved works carried out under the farm modernisation scheme will be payable, not on completion of the farm plan, but on satisfactory completion of the individual works. Special assistance on the lines suggested is not, therefore, necessary.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary not aware that it is taking a long time to finalise applications? I know of one case that was passed by the CAO in September but it has not been finalised yet. In view of the long delay in finalising grants, would the Parliamentary Secretary not consider giving some assistance towards the capital outlay of the person concerned?
I am not aware that there has been undue delay. As I pointed out in my reply, when work is carried out under the scheme payment will be made. There are different categories; when one part of the plan is completed in the case of the development farmer, such as land reclamation or farm building, the person concerned is paid the grant. There can be no improvement on that system.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary state how long it takes for a farmer to be classified?
The classification of farmers is determined by the committees of agriculture. I do not think there is any undue delay. Naturally in the early stages of the scheme there were delays due to the dispute between the Department and the agricultural officers.
Surely the Parliamentary Secretary is aware that there is delay in the classification of farmers. I understood from the Minister that while awaiting classification grants would be paid at the lower rate. Is this true?
The Deputy is introducing new matter.
The Department cannot pay a grant until the work is certified for payment but once that is done there is no undue delay in making payment.
At the lower rate?
At the standard rate set down.
I am calling Question No. 7. We cannot have an argument on this matter.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the Minister said that grants would be paid at the lower rate pending classification? This information does not appear to be known throughout the Department.
We have had no complaints so far as payments are concerned.