asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that many small farmers will not qualify for grant assistance because of the labour unit concept in the new farm improvement programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Grant Assistance for Farmers.
7.
The provisions in the farm improvement programme which measure farm income in terms of income per man work unit should not result in small farmers being excluded from grant-aid under the programme.
In view of the restrictions concerning the man work units and levels of income, even though the programme is supposed to be more flexible than the farm modernisation scheme, can the Minister tell us, for example, the number of cattle a farmer could have and be eligible for the improvement or the installation grant?
The Deputy is mixing up his question with the western package. As far as small farmers being excluded from grant aid are concerned, this will mean that far more small farmers will be included, for a variety of reasons, than under the farm modernisation scheme. I assume the House would not allow me time to go into the subject. Numerically, the number of small farmers who will be eligible for this scheme will be much larger than under the farm modernisation scheme.
The first reason is that the limit of 55 years of age has gone, and that was a deterrent, and the stipulation in this programme that the actual increase in farm output has to increase by only 5 per cent during the plan is in stark contrast with the level that pertained under the previous scheme — through the transitional, development and commercial grades. For these reasons the number of small farmers eligible for this will be far greater.
Does the Minister not agree that the restrictions on the reference income in regard to pigs and poultry will exclude a considerable number of small farmers, particularly in the Minister's disadvantaged constituency? What steps is he taking to help to get the reference income increased for farmers in the disadvantaged areas?
I cannot agree with the Deputy's argument. If many small farmers are over the reference income, which unfortunately they are not as the House will well appreciate, it means we have some reasonably well off small farmers, but the figures do not show that.
Does the Minister think that a gross income of £7,000 means that a farmer is well off?
I do not, but how many farmers in the disadvantaged areas have that?
In regard to the manpower unit, when this scheme was negotiated was it not on the basis of half a labour unit? Will the Department and the Minister be looking for that kind of condition to be brought into operation here?
I do not know what the Deputy is getting at. He seems to be talking about another part of this. We are talking about establishment aid, which is distinct from the reckoning of eligibility under the ordinary scheme for farm improvement. The Deputy is referring to the decision of the European Commission to insist on a one labour unit farm for young farmers under 35 years. We fought extremely hard to ensure it would apply to half a labour unit. We got no sympathy from any side in Europe. We believe, after years of advice from all organisations throughout the country, that it would be better to implement the scheme in our circumstances, try it out, see its shortcomings and then go back to Brussels with a new set of circumstances.
Can the Minister confirm if this farm improvement package will mean the termination of the western drainage programme? Can he confirm that the programme will continue into 1987 and subsequent years?
There is no connection whatever between the schemes. The farm improvement programme has nothing whatever to do with the western package.
Can the Minister confirm that the western drainage scheme will be continued?
I did not mention the western drainage package. It is a separate question.
If the Deputy puts down a question on it he will get an answer.
The Minister did not give an answer.
The Deputy knows the answer.
(Limerick West): In view of the limits in this scheme — whether we like it or not there are serious constraints — can the Minister say what the percentage is of farmers who will qualify?
It is very difficult to be sure, but it is generally believed that between 80 per cent and 85 per cent will qualify.
(Limerick West): Eightyfive per cent of what?
Of those who apply for the grants. They are the only people who count.
Put a bit of life into the western drainage scheme.