asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food (a) the number of young farmers who have applied for the young farmers establishment aid grants before 31 March 1987; (b) the number of young farmers who have just finished their 180 hours course with ACOT; (c) the amount of the £5,600 grant paid by the State and the European Commission; and if he would make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Scheme of Installation Aid.
52.
The information requested is as follows:
(a) ACOT have advised that 1,113 applications under the scheme of installation aid for young farmers were received up to and including 31st March, 1987.
(b) Courses of 100 hours and 80 hours duration are provided by ACOT. During 1986, 1,719 farmers attended 100 hour courses and 764 farmers attended 80-hour courses.
Information is not readily available on
—the number who were within the scheme's definition of young farmer i.e. under 35 years of age;
—the number who attended both a 100 hour course and an 80-hour course in 1986;
—the number who attended 100 hour courses and 80-hour course in the quarter ended 31 March 1987.
(c) £112,000 has been paid to date under the installation aid scheme. 50 per cent of expenditure is eligible for recoupment from FEOGA.