asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if applicants who had applied before 1 July 1988 under the farm improvement programme will benefit from the higher grants rates as promised by him.
104.
Written Answers. - Farm Improvement Programme.
21.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food, in view of his statement some weeks ago, if farmers who are participating in farm improvement programmes, including the anti-pollution measures, can switch to the western package scheme to avail of the higher rate of grant for anti-pollution measures.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 104 together. The EC Commission have agreed, in principle that farmers who cannot complete their plans under the farm improvement programme due to the need for substantial extra investment for environmental protection purposes may in certain circumstances terminate their plans and apply to participate in the programme for western development. Details of the precise procedures and conditions for availing of this change will be available shortly from local Teagasc offices.