Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 402: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will ensure that the €50 million fund available through Enterprise Ireland for the restructuring of the beef industry will not be utilised for the rationalisation of that industry; the action she will take to ensure the reopening of a plant (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4753/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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In keeping with commitments given in the Agri-Vision 2015 Action Plan, I have put in place a Capital Investment Scheme, totalling €50 million, for the beef and sheepmeat processing sectors. This grant assistance, which should trigger investment of some €120 million, is indicative of my commitment to the continued development of a modern, competitive, innovative and market-focused food industry. I cannot, however, dictate actions in relation to individual plants. That remains the prerogative of the meat companies themselves.

The Capital Investment Scheme will make financial assistance available towards the cost of the construction and acquisition of buildings, new machinery and equipment. It will, consequently, assist the industry in improving efficiency and competitiveness and in so doing, not only strengthen primary processing but also underpin agricultural incomes. It is not intended that rationalisation costs will be grant aided under the Fund.