Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 April 2016
166. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the present status of aid to producer groups and the implementation of the knowledge transfer scheme for forestry owners, following previous meetings and correspondence from the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society and forestry producer groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7424/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAid for Producer Groups is provided for under sub chapter 2.7 of the European Union Guidelines for State Aid in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas for 2014 to 2020. Such aid is confined to the establishment of new Producer Groups and cannot be used to support those groups already established. On the other hand support for Knowledge Transfer Groups (KTGs) does offer potential for supporting existing groups. This matter is now under consideration by my Department.
