Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 135: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the grants for the upgrading and expansion of small abattoirs will be awarded to the successful applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43940/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The applications received under my Department's capital investment scheme for the marketing and processing of agricultural products have been going through a competitive evaluation process in which the strengths of the various proposals are being assessed and ranked in line with the objectives of the scheme.

The process has taken time as this competitive scheme is not limited to abattoirs but also includes applications relating to small meat establishments, livestock marts and horticulture. In a number of cases additional information has been needed on business plans, financial information and technical drawings. Decisions are expected shortly.