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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 13 Feb 1975

Vol. 278 No. 3

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Farm Modernisation Scheme.

134.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if, in view of the length of time it is taking to classify farms under the farm modernisation scheme, he will consider paying grants at the lower rate to farmers who have completed work until their farms are classified.

I have already made arrangements for payment of grants on the lines suggested in the Deputy's question subject to the applicant in each case being deemed eligible for grant aid under the conditions of the scheme.

135.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the number of applications under the farm modernisation scheme in County Meath; the number that have been approved; the number that have not yet been processed; when the remaining cases will be dealt with; and the number of grant payments that have been made.

136.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the number of applications processed under the farm modernisation scheme in County Meath in respect of persons who are classified as (a) small farmers (b) development farmers and (c) commercial farmers; and the total amounts of money so far committed to each category.

I propose with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 135 and 136 together.

At 31st January 602 applications had been received in the County Cork committee office. Eligibility to participate in the scheme had been determined in 430 cases. The numbers so classified are—47 development, seven commercial and 53 "other" farmers. It is expected that the remaining applications will be fully processed over the next few months.

Data on financial commitments under the scheme are not yet available but will be collected as the scheme progresses. Most of the grants currently being paid in County Meath derive from the former Land Project and farm buildings schemes. The few claims received for payment of grants under the farm modernisation scheme are being processed with a view to early payment.

Am I to take it from the Parliamentary Secretary's reply that whether or not they are processed—the Minister gave us an assurance—they will be paid at the lower level; that there will be no hold-up in the payments.

Oh, yes, they will; I did give that assurance.

Therefore, there will be no delay pending classification?

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