asked the Minister for Agriculture the total amount of grants paid annually to this country under the FEOGA grant scheme within the European Community each year since we become full members of the EC; the names of the organisations and bodies who availed of these grants; the amounts that each organisation received in grant-aid; if we have availed to the maximum of these grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - FEOGA Grant Scheme.
108.
Grants paid to Irish beneficiaries under the FEOGA grants scheme since our full accession to the European Community were as follows:
|
1975 £0.3 million |
1981 £5.7 million |
|
1976 £2.1 million |
1982 £8.8 million |
|
1977 £2.2 million |
1983 £8.5 million |
|
1978 £2.7 million |
1984 £7.3 million |
|
1979 £2.5 million |
1985 £13.7 million |
|
1980 £6.6 million |
The detailed information requested will take some time to compile and will be forwarded to the Deputy in due course.
I am satisfied that we have taken full advantage of the scheme and this is evidenced by the fact that applications for aid have always exceeded the funds available. While some firms are slow in claiming the grants awarded to them all of the grants are eventually taken up or are re-allocated to other Irish firms.