Sir, - With reference to Sean McConnell's "Looking for a level field" piece (June 17th) which highlighted the difference in farmer supports between Ireland North and South, may I point out that the Farm Installation Aid Scheme referred to as a benefit to Southern Irish farmers is no longer available. The scheme was suspended on August 7th, 1997.
This scheme, which paid young farmers a grant towards their installation costs, was a valuable tool in increasing the rate of land transfer. At a time when young people are deserting the land in their droves, and only 12 per cent of Irish farmers are under 35, its suspension could not have come at a worse time.
Despite numerous assurances by the current Minister for Agriculture, Joe Walsh, that the scheme would be reinstated, it still remains closed. Perhaps the field is more level than we think? - Yours, etc., Tommy McGuire, National President, Macra na Feirme,
Irish Farm Centre,
Dublin 12.