asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if grants for fencing and fertilising hill and mountain areas have been reduced from 70 per cent to 30 per cent under the revised western package scheme; and, if so, whether this will have a detrimental effect on sheep farming in mountain areas.
Written Answers. - Revised Western Package.
40.
The rate of grant aid payable for land improvement including fencing and fertiliser application under the revised western package has been set at 35 per cent. This is the highest rate which could be justified to the EC Commission given the present position in regard to surpluses on the market and the need to avoid action seen as leading to increased production and the worsening of market problems. The rate of grant aid for sheep housing in mountain areas has been increased to 45 per cent under the revised package.