As I stated in previous replies to the Deputy, the capital investment scheme for the marketing and processing of certain agricultural products is specifically designed to encourage the marketing and processing of the products covered by the scheme. It is logical therefore that a basic level of primary processing of these products should be allowable under the scheme and this was pointed out in information provided by officials of my Department to individual growers and organisations prior to applications being received in my Department.
In relation to pages 4 and 5 of the scheme document referred to by the Deputy, the broad sectoral priorities for the potato sector are set out on these pages. It is emphasised that the objective of the scheme is to speed up improvements in the marketing infrastructure of the potato sector. Some examples of the marketing equipment which could attract grant aid are listed. However, the list is not exhaustive and, as the aim of the scheme is to encourage marketing and processing, it is open to my Department to fund items of equipment other than those given as examples if they contribute to the development of the sector.
I am fully satisfied that all aspects of the scheme were correctly and fairly administered by officials of my Department and that the successful applicants meet the sectoral priorities laid down for the potato sector.
