Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 107: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when she will give ministerial clearance for the processing of the 3,000 applications that were received between 21 October and 31 October 2007 for grant aid under the farm improvement scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13065/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Farm Improvement Scheme was launched by my Department in July 2007 with funding of €79 million as agreed under the Partnership agreement, Towards 2016. I indicated, at the time of its launch, that the Scheme would be terminated when this financial ceiling had been reached and this was also specifically provided for in the terms and conditions of the Scheme.

12,675 applications were received under the Farm Improvement Scheme prior to its suspension on 31 October 2007. These applications are currently being processed up to the level of funding made available for the Scheme under the 2006 Partnership agreement, Towards 2016.