Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is encouraging that the Minister plans to open the scheme in mid-July. He indicates that he will look favourably on the suggestions from the industry as well as from the farming organisations. I stress that as the Minister is aware, this sector is very community-orientated. The value of the sector and the employment it creates goes back into the local communities. It is a different type of farming. I welcome that the Minister is going to open the scheme in July and that he has indicated he will try to ensure that the funding of €25 million will be ring-fenced.

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