asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will amend the regulations pertaining to grants for farm development so as to exclude the necessity to provide a farm plan in areas where such is required in connection with farm development applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Farm Grants.
30.
Under the provisions of EEC Regulation 797/85, on which the farm improvement programme is based, Community funding is available only in respect of investments carried out by farmers who follow an improvement plan. In view of the limited financial resources available it is not possible to provide funds from the national Exchequer to make grant-aid available under the programme to farmers who do not follow a farm plan.
The EC Council of Ministers recently agreed proposals for a revised western package, including investment aid for basic livestock housing, fodder storage and associated waste storage, with a FEOGA contribution of up to 70 per cent. This aid would be available outside a farm plan and would apply in less favoured areas in the country as a whole. Detailed implementation proposals for the revised package are being drawn up at present and an announcement will be made when EC Commission approval has been obtained for the proposals.