asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that loans of less than £50 under the Agricultural Credit Act, 1927, are available only through co-operative credit societies, he will state (1) the number of such societies at present existing in the Free State; (2) the number organised since January 1, 1928; and (3) whether he will consider the advisability of earmarking a definite portion of the State subsidy to the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society to meet the expenses of organising and supervising co-operative credit societies.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - AGRICULTURAL CREDIT LOANS.
(1) The number of co-operative credit societies at present in active operation in the Free State is approximately 106, including 50 societies newly established, and 10 societies re-established, during the past few years, under the Department's scheme of State advances to credit societies. (2) The number of societies organised since 1st January last is four, and the organisation of three additional societies is almost completed. (3) In regard to the concluding portion of the question, the organisation and supervision of credit societies is one of the main purposes for which a grant from State funds has been made to the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society. Up to the present it has not been considered necessary to earmark a definite portion of that subsidy for the purpose in question, but should the desirability of doing so arise in connection with the working of the Agricultural Credit Act, 1927, or otherwise, the question will be fully considered.
Has the Minister taken steps for co-ordinating the efforts of the I.A.O.S. and the Agricultural Credit Corporation in this connection?
Mr. HOGAN
There is no co-ordination necessary. It is the business of the I.A.O.S. to organise co-operative societies. It is not the business, directly or indirectly, so far as I can see, of the Agricultural Credit Corporation.