asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the date on which the new arrangements for young farmers installation aid were submitted to the European Commission for clearance; whether such clearance has been obtained; and if not, when he expects same.
Written Answers. - EC Young Farmers' Aid.
74.
Following the announcement of the re-introduction of the young farmers installation aid on Budget day on 27th January, full and detailed consultations were arranged with relevant interested parties notably Macra na Feirme and ACOT.
In addition an ad hoc working group was established to ensure that any practical adjustments which could improve the implementation of the scheme would be incorporated into the revised scheme.
On 2 May the proposed scheme was submitted to the Commission whose approval is necessary before formal implementation. I hope that this approval will be forthcoming in the near future and I will make a full announcement at the time.
As the revised scheme will apply retrospectively to 1 April 1987, the consultation undertaken and the necessary Commission procedure will not lead to the exclusion of potential applicants.