Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Deputy for raising this topic. It is an area that is close to both our hearts and it is one that we have shared ambitions for.

The 2023 Scheme of Investment Aid for the Seed Potato and Chipping Potato Sector will assist in the development of capacity within the Irish seed and chipping potato sectors and will aid improvements in the production, storage and marketing infrastructure of seed and chipping potatoes by providing grant assistance to producers towards the capital cost of specialized equipment and facilities.

This exciting and innovative Scheme which is worth €3.1 million in 2023 is funded utilising funding under Ireland’s allocation from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve Fund (BAR).

As of close of business Monday, April 17th a total of 28 applications had been received. An extension to the closing date was announced by my Department last week and the Scheme will now close for applications at 5pm on Friday 21st April 2023.

I am a huge supporter of the domestic potato sector. There is great potential in continuing to revive the domestic seed potato sector. I am committed to seeing it thrive once more once there is leadership from within the sector too. I believe we can restore the industry to its heyday nationally.