Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In recognition of the major importance of agriculture to the economy, we have put in place programmes and schemes such as this. As the Deputy will be aware, in budget 2019 I announced the future growth loan scheme to deliver loans of eight to ten years for longer-term investment. This is to cover both primary agricultural producers and food businesses. We expect the fund to be available in 2019 subject to legislation being passed by the Dáil. In the past two years in particular, we have put in place an array of programmes to provide additional support to all who are involved in Irish food and agriculture. The Deputy is correct in saying the schemes have specific criteria and terms, but that is because they are loans. They have been successful and we have made a further loan scheme available for the sector next year.

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