Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 43: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to support or grant aid the small primary or secondary meat processing sector in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26024/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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A grant aid scheme for the small meat sector, which includes small slaughterhouses and low throughput meat establishments, culminated in my Department awarding a total of €7.8m in grant assistance to 31 enterprises in December 2008. This grant aid is expected to contribute to an actual investment on projects in excess of €25 million. Details are set out below.

A substantial number of the investments have commenced and are proceeding satisfactorily. Interim and final grant claims will be processed in 2009 in respect of those projects with at least 50% of the works completed. The awards will assist the meat businesses to improve efficiency, add quality and value to products, produce new and innovative products and develop new markets.