I propose to take Questions Nos. 438 and 439 together.
The distribution of the allocations for each of the years will only be confirmed as part of the annual Estimates process which is underway. The funding will be allocated for capital programmes and schemes already in operation, as well as for emerging challenges including those arising from Brexit.
The programmes funded will include the following:
- Forestry Programme
- Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme under the 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme
- European Maritime & Fisheries Fund Operational Programme 2014-2020
- Investment support for food sector companies , the organic sector and commercial Horticulture
- Investment support for facilities for the Horse and Greyhound Racing industries
In 2021 and 2022 funding will be allocated to the capital schemes envisaged to be operated under the successors to the existing 2014-2020 EU co-funded programmes (RDP and EMFF) and the post 2020 Forestry programme.
In addition to the above multi-project programmes, which support investment by operators across the Agriculture, Food and the Marine sectors, funding will be allocated each year for my Department’s ICT equipment and infrastructure, and Laboratory infrastructure and equipment, for the development of Fisheries Harbours, facilities maintenance and development for Teagasc, Marine Institute, SFPA and BIM, as well as for specific projects with a more limited expenditure timescale.