Vol. 530 No. 6
162 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if grant aid will be provided to people working in the meat industry, including abattoirs, food processors and others to enable them to adhere to all the regulations. [4585/01]
The use of State aids is governed by the EU Treaty and from an operational point of view by Community guidelines for State aids in the agricultural sector. Current rules on payment preclude member states from payment of aid to establishments which fail to meet the standards laid down by EU and national legislation. This legislation was formulated with consumer protection in mind and is the minimum standard required to satisfy hygiene, environmental and animal welfare requirements.
Under the National Development Plan, 2000-2006, there is a provision of approximately £31 million available for human resource development in the food industry. This fund is administered by Enterprise Ireland and the other development agencies.
