Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 24 Apr 1996

Vol. 464 No. 4

Written Answers. - Deer Farming.

Liam Hyland

Ceist:

117 Mr. Hyland asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he is committed to the promotion of deer farming as an alternative farm enterprise; and if so, the plans, if any, he has to have deer farming included in the 1996 headage schemes. [8327/96]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

I am fully committed to the promotion of deer farming as an alternative enterprise. This is evident from the number of support measures which are already available to deer production enterprises through the auspices of my Department.

1. The alternative enterprise scheme gives grant-aid on investments of up to £20,000 for the provision of deer handling facilities and fencing at a rate of 50 per cent in less favoured areas and 40 per cent elsewhere.

2. To assist the development of deer breeding stock a grant of £160 for Red Deer or £80 for Sika or Fallow Deer, subject to a maximum of £4,000, is paid for the introduction of new stock or the retention of additional breeding stock on deer farms.

3. Under the Structural Funds there is also a scheme of aid in place to stimulate the growth of deer producer groups. Under this scheme individual producers are encouraged to establish groups in order to be better placed to meet market requirements, and to implement coordinated production, quality and marketing strategies.

4. From this year, venison is included in An Bord Bia's promotion campaign both for the home and export markets and a comprehensive survey of market opportunities has recently been conducted to assist this campaign.

The introduction of a scheme of headage payments for deer is under active consideration.