P. J. Sheehan
Ceist:182 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will introduce the proposed dairy modernisation grants.
Written Answers. - Grant Payments.
The National Development Plan 1994-99 includes provision for a grant scheme to assist farmers in meeting the on-farm structural standards required by Directive 92/46/EEC. While it is intended to implement this scheme as soon as possible, details of its operation cannot be finalised until the plan is approved by the European Commission.
A scheme is already in place under which generous grants are available to individual farmers to enable them invest in on-farm refrigeration equipment.
P. J. Sheehan
Ceist:183 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry when area aid grants will be paid to cereal farmers.
Ninety two per cent of applications have already been paid. The remaining eligible applications will be paid over the next few weeks as outstanding queries are clarified.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:185 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he has completed his investigation of the application for surplus sheep quota in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The application for reserve quota received from the person named is still being processed by my Department. He will be notified of the outcome within the next few weeks.