Page 111 of the programme for Government recognises the positive benefits associated with the knowledge transfer scheme. I met a group of farmers last week in Birr. I have been told that this is a very successful and positive scheme. The farmers with whom I spoke certainly felt that it was very worthwhile. Will this scheme be rolled over until the CAP is agreed? I ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make every effort possible to ensure this scheme is rolled over.

The Deputy is right. The knowledge transfer scheme has been part of the rural development programme under the CAP and has been very successful. There is a likelihood that the next CAP will be delayed by at least a year and there are transitionary arrangements so it is certainly intended to accommodate the knowledge transfer scheme under this provision.