asked the Minister for Agriculture (a) whether under the regulations of his Department it is essential to produce a receipt for duty from the British Customs authorities before bounty can be paid to the Cromane (County Kerry) mussel exporters; (b) whether he is aware that it is extremely difficult even for experienced business people to procure these receipts; (c) whether these receipts can only be obtained from the British Customs authorities on payment of 2/6 per receipt; (d) whether he is aware that the exporters of mussels are extremely poor people largely dependent for their livelihood on mussel fishing; and (e) whether he will make some arrangement whereby the bounty can be issued to the Cromane people without putting them to this trouble and expense.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bounty on Mussels to Kerry Exporters.
Mr. Lynch
Dr. Ryan
Owing to difficulties which arose in procuring the British customs duties receipts, it was recently decided to waive the production of such receipts as a condition of payment of bounties on certain shell fish, and to substitute other documentary evidence more readily obtainable. Particulars as to the nature of the evidence now needed in support of claims are being communicated to all claimants concerned.