Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 November 2017
438. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the budget allocation and actual expenditure on the scheme of assistance for persons who suffered fodder losses as a result of the severe flooding in 2016; the operation of the scheme and the maximum grant aid permitted per person; if state aid rules apply to this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48915/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2016 Fodder Aid Scheme was implemented in January 2016 in response to damage to fodder supplies arising from the period of protracted flooding in December, 2015 and January, 2016. The aim of the scheme was to compensate farmers in approved cases for the direct replacement cost in instances where genuine damage to silage, hay, concentrates or straw has been caused by the flooding.
The scheme opened on 7 January 2016 with a closing date of 22 January 2016. A total of 391 applications were received under the scheme of which 330 were paid a total of €660,619. All payments were subject to state aid de minimis rules.
