Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Losses of Sheep Farmers. – Dáil Éireann (8th Dáil) – Tuesday, 24 Mar 1936

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Losses of Sheep Farmers.

Mr. Morrissey

asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he has received a petition signed by the Clergy of the Parish of Galbally and Aherlow on behalf of certain small farmers of the Glen of Aherlow and district who in the blizzard of 10th February last lost sheep to the number of nearly 1,000, respectfully asking the Government for a grant or loan to make good these losses, and if he will state what action he proposes to take in the matter.

Mr. S.A. Bourke

asked the Minister for Agriculture if he has received a petition from the small farmers of the Glen of Aherlow and district drawing attention to the severe and unprecedented losses suffered by them in the blizzard of February 10th last in which they lost nearly, 1,000 sheep, and asking the Government for a grant or loan to enable them to make good their losses and to meet the many calls now pressing on them and on their families, and if he intends to give the petition favourable consideration.

Mr. Reidy

asked the Minister for Agriculture if he has received a petition from a number of farmers in Aherlow and district asking for a grant or loan to enable them to make good the losses they suffered as a result of the destruction of sheep in the recent snow blizzard; and, if so, if he is prepared to make a grant or loan available from public funds.

Dr. Ryan

I propose to take Questions 36, 37 and 38 together.

I have received from the Department of the President the petition referred to. As already intimated in reply to Deputy Wall's Question of the 5th instant, I see no reason why grants should be given to compensate sheep owners for their losses in the recent snow storm. I have, however, under consideration the question of assisting such persons by loans to renew their stocks of sheep, and hope to be in a position to make an announcement on the subject at an early date.