Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

We are not robbing Peter to pay Paul. Resources available to the Department are being allocated. Next year, in excess of €9 million will be paid out in new installation aid scheme approvals. Those are applications that are in hand at present and will be processed and approved in 2009. Up to €48 million will be paid out under the early retirement scheme. The position is that both schemes have been suspended for new applicants. I have stated clearly in meetings with Deputies from all parties and the farming organisations that we will be reviewing the suspension of both schemes when financial resources allow us to do so.

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