Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

By the end of this month, €33 million will have been paid and a further €44 million is being paid in the early months of 2009.

In regard to installation aid and early retirement schemes, the Minister has repeatedly stated that he is anxious to revisit the decision to suspend their entry as soon as circumstances permit. He indicated this during his contribution to last night's debate and again during Question Time today. As in any profession, we acknowledge the necessity of encouraging new blood and we appreciate the value of the installation aid grant in that regard. We are aware that many potential applicants were at an advanced stage in the preparation of their installation aid applications when entry to the scheme was suspended on 14 October. Only this afternoon, the Minister informed the House that people whose applications were significantly progressed when entry to the scheme was suspended are a priority and that he would like to see those applications advanced as soon as possible. This is a temporary suspension of the scheme and he is anxious to see it reinstated as soon as practicable.

I listened to Deputy after Deputy demand a ewe maintenance payment. Various speakers put the payment at between €20 and €30 per ewe. We need clarification on Fine Gael's position.

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