asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will give details of the changes in the level of grants and the type of work which qualified for grants under the farm modernisation scheme.
Written Answers. - Farm Modernisation Scheme.
289.
The modifications in the Farm Modernisation Scheme, as announced on 13 August 1981, are as follows:
(a) A reduction of five percentage points in the level of grant-aid for all categories of farmers in respect of land improvement, farm buildings and fixed equipment. (No change was made in the level of grant-aid for land improvement in the West of Ireland).
(b) In the case of land improvement, the placing of a maximum on investment eligible for aid of £740 per hectare and on area qualifying for aid per person of 40 hectares.
(c) Discontinuance of grants for mobile equipment.
(d) Grants under the Group Fodder Scheme have been confined to basic silage making equipment.
Minor adjustments were also made in relation to investment levels eligible for aid in the case of some items of fixed equipment.