Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 230: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the incentives which are available to an industry (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15627/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department operates the scheme of investment aid for the development of the commercial horticulture sector funded under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. The scheme is intended to assist in the development of the horticulture sector by grant aiding capital investments in specialised plant and equipment in commercial horticulture.

Applicants must demonstrate that they have the necessary skill and competence for the running of the business. The horticulture enterprise must be shown to be viable on a commercial scale. The minimum investment which will be considered is €10,000. The upper cumulative limit for investments per applicant over the period of the scheme is €1.27 million. Aid will be payable at the rate of 35% on the accepted net cost of investments approved and completed to the Department's satisfaction.

Even though the scheme is not aimed at start-up business, if such an application is considered to be viable then the project would be given every consideration. Applications for the scheme in 2005 are now closed.