asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that the public health authorities are forcing dairy farmers at heavy expense to equip their holdings with up-to-date sanitary cowsheds, as the live-stock output on practically every farmstead could be considerably increased by further and better cattle housing accommodation for the carrying of young stock through the winter; and if he will introduce proposals for legislation without delay to exempt from property tax all farm buildings erected since 1932 or to be built in the future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Property Tax on Farm Buildings.
So far as the first part of the question is concerned, I am, of course, aware of the provisions of the Milk and Dairies Regulations, 1936, which, presumably, the Deputy has in mind. I would refer the Deputy, however, to the statement made by the Minister for Local Government and Public Health in reply to a Parliamentary question on the 1st December, 1937 (Official Report, cols. 1300-1301). It was pointed out on that occacion that sanitary authorities have not been unreasonable in their demands on dairymen and that any premises which are well constructed and clean can, with little alteration, conform to the regulations. As regards the last part of the question, there is no good reason for taking the step suggested nor is it considered that any useful purpose would be served thereby.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, I am sure he is aware, as everybody is, that many small dairy farmers have had to sell their cows because they were not in a position to put their cowsheds in the order that the Minister for Local Government and Public Health requires. Could not money be found at a cheap rate of interest, or without interest, in order to give these farmers a chance to put their cowsheds in proper order? At one time it seemed that the Minister was delighted that the cattle were going, and I think he said, "Thank God, the cattle are gone, and gone for ever." Is he aware that, if we do not get some kind of subsidy for our stall-fed cattle, the farmers must be helped in some way to provide for farmyard manure, and is he also aware that they have not proper accommodation for those cattle? I am sure there can be a lot done by the Government to help that industry. The Minister is aware and the House is aware, that the industry has suffered——
The Deputy may not make a speech when asking a supplementary question.
I may not but, with your permission, Sir, I will.
The Chair declines to give the Deputy permission to make a speech on a supplementary question.
I would like to ask the Minister whether he has taken the matter referred to in Deputy O'Neill's question into consideration when proposing his new Valuation Bill to increase the valuation of farm buildings—that is existing ones and ones to be built?
The Deputy can hold his ammunition until that Bill is before the House. He will then have a good target.