asked the Minister for Agriculture the detailed proposals he has for the new farm modernisation scheme; and the number of farmers who will qualify.

In reply to a question on 7 May I gave details of the new Community structural policy. I indicated that a scheme to implement the new policy is being drawn up and that it is intended to have it operational by 1 October. Pending the finalisation of the scheme, it is not possible to estimate the numbers who will qualify for aid.

(Limerick West): Will the Minister of State indicate to the House the cost to the Exchequer of this scheme?

It is not possible at this stage to give that detail.

Will the Minister of State say if people may make applications for consideration under the scheme as of now?

No.

Will the Minister of State say if people may make applications may be made?

That has not been decided yet. However, I should like it to be known in the House that the old scheme is still in existence and that applications are being taken for it.

Is the Minister aware that because of the hiccups in the old scheme in recent years very few people are applying and that many are awaiting the outcome of this so-called new or revamped scheme? Can he give any indication when it may begin?

The scheme will begin on 1 October. I wish to make it clear that a significant number of farmers are applying under the extended old farm modernisation scheme.

(Limerick West): Will the Minister of State give consideration to farmers who applied to participate in the slimmed down existing scheme but whose applications were not approved? Is there any hope for them in the new scheme?

Perhaps I am now prejudging the final outcome of our deliberations but from my reading of the situation there would be certain categories of farmers who would not have been included for grant aid under the old scheme but who will now be included in the new scheme.

(Limerick West): That is not the question I asked. I was referring to work commenced by farmers but which had not been approved——

The work must have prior approval.

(Limerick West): Therefore, all those farmers who received such short notice of termination of the previous scheme will have no hope of being included in the forthcoming scheme?

We cannot discuss the old scheme now. I am calling Question No. 6.

I should like to ask a supplementary question on Question No. 5. Will the Minister of State take into consideration the amount of capital investment made by farmers who got verbal sanction from agricultural officers to go ahead with projects——

That is a different question.

Will these farmers be included in the proposed revamped scheme?

We cannot discuss what will be in the new scheme.

This is a very serious and important matter.

I have called Question No. 6.

The silence of the Minister of State tells us the answer is in the negative.