Vol. 531 No. 3
167 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will introduce a special investment scheme for farmers with less than 20 income units which is allowed under derogation rules in EU Regulation 2075/2000. [5700/01]
The minimum of 20 income units from farming covers a farm with approximately 17 suckler cows or a dairy enterprise with a milk quota of some 7,000 gallons. While I would have preferred a lower minimum level of viability, the 20 income units was the minimum level to which the European Commission would agree in relation to the state aid measures introduced by my Department under the National Development Plan, 2000-06. I am aware of the derogation provided for in the EU regulation and I am keeping the position under review.
