Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)

Would it be helpful in determining the level of drawdown or feasible to write to all the applicants who now have approval? This is an EU-aided scheme but if the drawdown would be smaller it could open opportunities to open the farm investment scheme again. Writing to these farmers could advise them of the timeframe, which is impossible for them to comply with, and the Minister should take up that issue and engage positively with farming organisations on it in terms of social partnership. I understand the matter is being raised in that context. Writing to the farmers could also seek clear direction as to how many of them intend to draw down the offered funding.

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