Tánaiste Welcomes Significant Increases for Agriculture in 1999 Book of Estimates

Mr. Noel Treacy T.D., Minister for Science, Technology and Commerce has this week warmly welcomed the record provision made, by the Government, of over £800 million for Agriculture, in the 1999 Book of Estimates.

Minister Treacy said "I warmly welcome this significant increase for Agriculture and in particular, the re-introduction of certain important Investment Measures including; The Control of Farmyard Pollution, and the Dairy Hygiene and Installation Aid Schemes. Funding for the Rural Environment Protection Scheme, has also been substantially increased so that more Farmers can avail of attractive supports, in an environmentally friendly way. I believe that all of these measures, which are very welcome during this difficult period, will help encourage new investment and improve infra-structure, sustain the environment and assist the farming sector to face the competitive challenges of the years ahead."