asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is prepared to afford further and better facilities to tillage farmers to enable them to purchase manures and seed for this year's crops; whether he is aware that owing to the bad prices prevailing for live stock and the general depression in the agricultural industry if some substantial and easily obtainable help in this direction be not made available without delay many will be obliged to sow inferior seed and do without artificial manures, with consequent aggravation of their position.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Purchase of Manures and Seeds.
The matter is one which has already received my attention, in consultation with the Department of Local Government and Public Health. On 9th instant, a communication was addressed by that Department to each county council pointing out the desirability of facilitating farmers who may be unable to obtain at present from their own resources suitable supplies of seeds and fertilisers by means of a loan scheme of the nature instituted last year. Any legislation necessary to facilitate the extension of the Seeds and Fertilisers Supply Act, 1932, to cover this season's scheme will, I understand, be introduced by the Minister for Local Government and Public Health. It is to be presumed that the county councils, if satisfied as to the existence of a need for these loan facilities, will introduce the scheme accordingly. I do not consider, therefore, that further action on the part of my Department is called for.
Is the Minister aware that Wexford County Council decided of Monday last not to take advantage of that?
Dr. Ryan
Wexford County Council must not consider the scheme necessary.