I welcome the formation of the Department of Agriculture and Food and An Bord Glas. Is the Minister prepared to consider an extension of the Euro-Currency scheme which he mentioned to conventional dairy enterprises which are very badly funded at the moment and in need of such help? Before encouraging or grant-aiding anybody in respect of an ACOT-promoted alternative farm enterprise, will the Minister ensure that any such proposal will be closely examined to ensure it is market-led?

I should like to assure the Deputy that the whole thinking in the Department is towards a market-led industry. In relation to alternative enterprises, ACOT have proposed for inclusion in the farm improvement programme deer farming, rabbit farming, sport horses and a whole range of other alternative enterprises. Subject to the Department being satisfied that the proposals are economically viable and that there is a market for them, funds will be provided to meet the additional cost which such enterprises will take up under the farm improvement programme.