The Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Estimates showed a 10 per cent net decrease yesterday because of exceptional expenditure this year as a result of the foot-and-mouth and BSE crises, writes Sean McConnell, Agriculture Correspondent.
Market supports such as the Purchase for Destruction Scheme of animals no one would buy cost the Irish taxpayer nearly €203 million this year.
According to the Minister for Agriculture, Mr Walsh, the overall Estimate of €1.3 billion showed an increased provision in the order of 26 per cent for 2000-2002.
In a statement yesterday, he said the Estimate showed a strong continuing Government commitment, extending beyond the exceptional circumstances of 2001 when €200 million was provided to support the farmers and the rest of the industry facing the challenges of BSE and foot-and-mouth disease.
