Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 138: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress to date on the application by a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny for grant aid under the farm improvement scheme. [11136/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The person named is an applicant under the Farm Improvement Scheme. Applications under this Scheme are being processed by my Department up to the level of funding provided for the Scheme in the 2006 partnership agreement, Towards 2016. The application concerned is, therefore, eligible for consideration and will be processed subject to funding still being available at that time.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 139: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if there is more funding available under the scheme of investment aid for the development of the commercial horticulture sector, especially for applicants who have already and will continue to invest heavily in their business and the industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11147/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department operates the Scheme of Investment Aid for the development of commercial horticulture. Under the new National Development Plan 2007-2013, circa €50m, has been earmarked for the Scheme. Under the first phase of this Scheme for 2008 a total of 208 applications were received. Approvals of grant aid of some €9m to support investments of some €22m were issued to 189 applicants in early February. It is anticipated that applications for the second phase of this Scheme in 2009 will be invited towards the end of 2008.

Under the previous National Development Plan 2000-2006 grant aid of some €20m was paid out to producers to support investments of €57m in the commercial horticulture industry. This Scheme has been a catalyst for investment and growth and has assisted producers to upgrade and develop new production facilities and improve quality.