asked the Minister for Agriculture the estimated number of farmers who will qualify for the new farm investment aid scheme; when application forms will be available; and the length of time required for grant approval under the scheme.

10.

asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will make a statement on the introduction of the new type of farm modernisation scheme; and if all applicants will be dealt with this year or is it on a first come first served basis.

16.

asked the Minister for Agriculture when the farm modernisation grants will be available.

54.

asked the Minister for Agriculture when details of the revised farm modernisation scheme will be announced.

I propose to take Question Nos. 4, 10, 16 and 54 together.

Details of the Farm Improvement Programme were announced recently. Copies of the programme together with application forms will be available from local ACOT offices during the coming week.

It is estimated that up to about 90,000 farmers are eligible to participate in the programme. Applications will be dealt with as they arise. It is not expected that there will be any significant delay in dealing with applications and every effort will be made to have approvals issued as quickly as possible.

(Limerick West): Is it a fact that the amount allocated to this scheme this year is limited and will it be operated on a first come first served basis? Is it true that there may not necessarily be ample funds to deal with all the applicants?

Every farmer who applies under the farm improvement scheme this year and who has the proper approval and has built to the specifications will get the grant.

(Limerick West): Will the details which the Minister will announce shortly include participation by ACOT and will they have as important a role as they had heretofore?

Yes, a planning visit will be needed. It will have a relationship to the old farm modernisation scheme although it will be more flexible. A planning visit will be needed for a farm plan which will be then sent to the local farm development office.

(Limerick West): Will charges be deducted from the grant eventually paid for those visits by the adviser from ACOT or the personnel from the FDS?

The Deputy is aware that a cost has been levied already by the farm development service.

(Limerick West): Will that continue?

Yes. In relation to ACOT at this stage I cannot say anything because I do not know.

(Limerick West): Has the Minister doubts?

For what it is worth, I understand that this will have nothing to do with the small farming population one way or the other.

How much money is being provided for this scheme this year?

I have not got the figures in front of me so I am speaking from memory. I believe we are talking about £8 million at this moment.

Is that less than was in any previous development schemes?

(Limerick West): Will the Minister bring in a supplementary estimate?

Whatever grant is necessary and whatever calls are on this new farm programme scheme will be honoured this year.

(Limerick West): What guarantee has the Minister of State of that?

We have our own methods of calculation of the likely uptake.

(Limerick West): They could be very much out.

We will talk about that this time next year.