Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 228: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will detail the grants awarded to date under the terms of the fourth round of the scheme of investment aid for the development of the commercial horticulture sector; if this funding will be broken down by successful applicants and amounts awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40357/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Through the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector, my Department assists in the development of the horticulture sector, including beekeeping, by grant aiding capital investments in specialised plant and equipment as well as emerging technologies specific to commercial horticulture production. The main objectives of the scheme are to improve the quality of products, facilitate environmentally friendly practices and promote diversification of on-farm activities in response to market demand. Apart from improving the quality of products, investments under the scheme have also significantly extended the growing season for Irish produce. Under this scheme, aid at a rate of 40%, or a maximum rate of 50% in the case of young farmers, is payable on the accepted cost, (excluding VAT), of capital investments approved and completed to the satisfaction of the Department.

The Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of Commercial Horticulture is a competitive grant aid scheme, so funding is only provided for the very best projects which will achieve the scheme objectives. The scheme is primarily aimed at those engaging in commercial horticultural production and/or beekeeping. Non-production investments, which are directly associated with primary production, may also be considered. The closing date for the Fourth Round of the scheme was Friday, 18 February 2011 and 157 projects were approved. The grant aid covers all areas of the horticultural industry and will assist in funding investments of approximately €10.2 million in 2011. Up to last Monday, 12 December 2011, the Department has authorised payment of €1.8million to 87 applicants from the funds available under this round of the scheme. We are continuing to process the remaining claims and further payments will be issued as soon as they have been checked and approved for payment. The Department is precluded from providing details of the specific grants awarded, on an individual basis, as the information is regarded as being commercially sensitive and of a personal nature. I am pleased to note that, in the recent Budget, €3.25 million was allocated to the scheme for 2012 and applications under the Fifth Round of the scheme will be accepted shortly. The grant aid covers all areas of the horticultural industry and will assist in funding investments of approximately €8 million in 2012.