asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state whether anything has been done to relieve the Clare farmers who lost their cattle through the fluke epidemic during the past two years; and, if not, if he will state the reasons; and whether in view of the fact that these farmers and their families are at present suffering severe hardship and privations, he will state whether he now intends to make available some financial assistance in their cases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Assistance for Clare Farmers.
Owing to the wet condition of the land in certain areas in County Clare outbreaks of fluke disease amongst stock have frequently occurred in the past. As a result of investigations and inquiries carried out on the spot I am satisfied that the epidemic referred to was not appreciably more serious than those which occurred in preceding years. It is evident that the remedy for this state of affairs must be a permanent improvement in the conditions under which stock are kept. Measures taken by individual farmers for the drainage and liming of their land have proved the most effective means of reducing the incidence of outbreaks of this disease.
In arranging the allocation of funds for the lime distribution scheme special consideration was given to the needs of County Clare in this connection and accordingly farmers will be able to avail of the scheme to improve the condition of their land with a view to preventing further outbreaks of disease amongst stock.
Farmers in the county will also be assisted under the general scheme for the supply of artificial manures at reduced prices. Provision has been made for a special course of veterinary lectures which will be given in the county in the near future. With a view to meeting cases of exceptional hardship arising from losses from fluke disease arrangements have already been made under which financial assistance for the purchase of heifers and cows will be available through the creameries in County Clare.
Mr. Burke
Does the Minister mean to do anything for the farmers who lost such cattle, except as he says?
We are doing quite a lot for the farmers as well as that.
Not for those who lost cattle through fluke.
I think we are.
They are on the brink of starvation, and if they are not looked after they will be wiped out altogether.