Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)

I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 32 to raise a matter of national importance namely, the about turn taken by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when she closed down the farm improvement scheme, FIS. Given that the Government gave an absolute assurance to farmers before the general election that all farmers would be given an opportunity to make application for the 40% grant aid and given that most of the specifications of the scheme were geared towards the enhancement of the environment, it is difficult to understand why the Government did not accept all applications and prepare a phased system of approvals and subsequent payments over a period of years which would be fair and would treat all farmers equally and with respect.

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