Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

This scheme was introduced with funding of €250 million to be provided over five years. In the first year of applications there was a very large take up and the total cost of the 2008 scheme amounts to €77 million. A sum of €33 million was provided in the Estimates for 2008 and this scheme, by its nature, is claimed for only towards the end of the year with calves weaning. Some €33 million was spent in 2008 and the remaining €44 million due for the 2008 scheme will be paid. A total of €12 million has been paid since 1 January and payments continue. No decision has been made on the rate of payment that would apply to this scheme for 2009.

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