Vol. 459 No. 3
171 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the plans, if any, he has to introduce a scheme of low interest loans for the agricultural sector similar to the access to finance scheme operated by the Department of Enterprise and Employment. [18093/95]
The access to finance scheme mentioned by the Deputy is in operation in the Department of Enterprise and Employment under that Department's operational programme for small businesses. In my Department two programmes are operated: the food sub-programme of the operational programme for industrial development and the operational programme for agriculture, rural development and forestry.
Under the food sub-programme, assistance is provided to the food industry for capital investment, research and development, marketing, and development of human resources. Food companies may also avail of a number of other measures contained in the operational programme for industrial development. In addition, the access to finance scheme applies to the food sector subject to specific eligibility criteria.
Under the operational programme for agriculture, rural development and forestry grants and premia, covering a wide range of activities, are made available to eligible farmers. This form of assistance is more appropriate for the agricultural sector. I note also that the amount of interest payable by the agricultural sector has declined substantially in recent years from £246 million in 1990 to £158.1 million in 1994.
In these circumstances, I have no plans to introduce further schemes at this time.
