Vol. 405 No. 6
96 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has studied the report of the Arigna Task Force; and if he will outline his views on the recommendations in the report that seek the involvement of this Department in the economic rehabilitation of this area.
The recommendations of the Arigna Task Force affecting my Department were that Arigna should be included in the revised integrated rural development programme and that alternative agricultural enterprises and rural tourism should be encouraged.
I am currently finalising proposals for submission to the Government on a national structure for integrated rural development drawing upon the experience of the pilot experiment which operated in 12 selected areas from 1988 to 1990 and other intiatives of a similar nature. Such a structure, will operate in all rural areas, including Arigna.
The operational programme for rural development which I announced in December includes a range of measures to assist the diversification of the rural economy. These are schemes of grant aid for animal production, horse breeding, deer, goats, rabbits and greyhounds, horticulture, including organic production, agri-tourism, forestry and job creation involving services in rural areas.
The programme also provides for a scheme of aid for small and community enterprises to assist worthwhile projects which would not otherwise qualify for grant aid.
These measures will be of considerable benefit to all rural areas and will respond in a meaningful way to the needs of the Arigna area as identified by the task force.
98 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will now pay a farm building grant to a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim.
The grant has been paid.
