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Gnáthamharc

Farm Improvement Scheme.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 December 2007

Tuesday, 4 December 2007

Ceisteanna (362, 363, 364, 365)

Michael Ring

Ceist:

409 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position in relation to the farm improvement scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31875/07]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Farm Improvement Scheme was launched by my Department in July 2007 with funding of €79 million as agreed under the partnership agreement, Towards 2016. The Scheme was suspended on 31 October 2007 as the applications received under the Scheme had reached this level of funding.

The applications received under the Scheme up to 31 October 2007 will be processed by my Department up to the level of funding available.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

410 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of applications received and accepted by her Department under the farm improvement scheme up to the date of its suspension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31876/07]

Amharc ar fhreagra

12,675 applications were received by my Department under the Farm Improvement Scheme up to its suspension on 31 October 2007. These applications will be processed by my Department up to the level of funding made available for the Scheme in the 2006 partnership agreement, Towards 2016.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

411 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the funding put in place for the farm improvement scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31877/07]

Amharc ar fhreagra

An allocation of €79 million was made available for the Farm Improvement Scheme under the 2006 partnership agreement, Towards 2016.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

412 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the options available for farmers towards capital investment following the suspension of the farm improvement scheme; the action that will be taken in relation to the applications received after the suspension date of the scheme; if this scheme will recommence in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31878/07]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Applications received under the Farm Improvement Scheme prior to its suspension on 31 October 2007 will be processed by my Department up to the level of funding available. Applications received after that date are being returned to farmers.

I have no plans to reopen the Farm Improvement Scheme to further applications prior to the review in 2008 of the partnership agreement, Towards 2016, as provided for in that agreement.

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