Small bakeries grants
The Minister said IDA grants generally exclude bread bakeries because of sector overcapacity, except for export-oriented or import-substitution long-life products; Údarás grants are outside his remit.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the reason the IDA grants are not payable to small bakeries while grants are available from Údarás na Gaeltachta; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Comment on this
(Limerick East): It has been IDA policy for a number of years not to grant-aid bread baking operations. The basis for this is that there is over-capacity in the sector resulting in the closure of many bakeries.
The only circumstances in which IDA grant-aid for bakeries is considered is in the case of long-life products, other than bread, with clearly defined export or import substitution potential.
In regard to the availability of grants from Údarás na Gaeltachta for small bakeries the Deputy will appreciate that as this does not fall within my ambit it would be more appropriate to raise the matter with the Minister for the Gaeltacht.