asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the large proportion of the hay, corn and potato crops that has been damaged and rendered unsaleable by the persistent wet weather since the harvest time, he will make some arrangement by which loans will become available to farmers, free of interest, to tide them over their difficulties.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Loans to Farmers.
While the weather during the harvest has no doubt been unfavourable in many areas, I am not satisfied that the situation is so serious as to warrant the adoption of the measures suggested by the Deputy.
In connection with the Minister's reply, I think he is not sufficiently aware of the conditions prevailing. The farmers have suffered considerable losses as a result of the weather, and there is the question of what will be available for feeding purposes, not to talk about the spending of actual cash.
How did the wheat do?
I admit that there have been losses, but the provision of loans to all farmers is a big order.