The horticulture sector is assisted in various ways. There is a scheme of investment aid in commercial horticulture under the National Development Plan, 2000-2006, for which up to €19 million has been allocated. This scheme assists producers in the purchase of new specialised equipment and facilities. There has been a good take-up in the first round which will end shortly. I expect that a second round will be open in the autumn.
There is also a scheme of investment aid for the potato sector under the National Development Plan, 2000-2006, which has funding of €5.5 million approximately in that period. Approvals in the first round amounted to €1.2 million. A further round will be opened next year.
A further scheme under the National Development Plan, 2000-2006, is designed to aid the marketing and processing of agricultural products. Horticultural producers have obtained grant approval of some €2.5 million under this scheme in the first round. The scheme will be opened again next year when further aid will be available.