Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 19 Apr 1994

Vol. 441 No. 5

Written Answers. - Crop Damage.

Ivan Yates

Ceist:

160 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will clarify the criteria being used in the calculation of eligibility for compensation for fruit and vegetable growers for crop damage in 1993 in view of weather conditions; if he will ensure that the 25 per cent threshold for losses will apply not to the entire farm holding of the growers, but to their horticultural or fruit operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. J. Walsh)

The Government has established a fund of £1 million to provide assistance in respect of crop damage suffered by horticulture and potato producers in 1993. The intention is that assistance will be targeted at growers who suffered major or total crop losses to an extent that their viability is endangered.

My Department is at present drawing up detailed criteria of eligibility for assistance. When these criteria have been finalised I will make a statement on the matter.