asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the closing date for receipt of applications for the installation aid scheme for young farmers; if he will consider extending the closing date; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
50.
Written Answers. - Scheme of Installation Aid for Young Farmers.
47.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if farm installation aid grants will be paid to all farmers who had entered into financial commitments or farm transfers; his views on whether the scheme should be reintroduced at the earliest opportunity; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 50 together.
The scheme of installation aid for young farmers was terminated in the context of the budget of 31 March 1987. Applications received by ACOT up to and including that date will be processed. Where the eligibility conditions of the scheme are complied with including the requirement that the farm transfer was secured not later than 31 March 1987 and where all the other eligibility criteria are met, payment will be made in due course.
Given limited financial resources it is neither feasible to extend the closing date for receipt of applications beyond 31 March, 1987 nor at this stage to contemplate the re-introduction of the scheme.