To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether his Ministry pays out grant aid for the establishment of poultry businesses or slaughterhouses; and if he will make a statement.

My Department administers EC grants under regulation 866/90 which, subject to Commission approval, will be available for the processing of meat, including poultry meat, but not the establishment of slaughterhouses. Grant aid is not available to assist the establishment of new poultry businesses.