asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the ration of cartridges allowed for May, June and July has, in many cases, been already exhausted for protective purposes during May and June; and, if so, whether, in view of the heavy damage normally done by crows in July and of the altered circumstances, he will now grant an additional ration to cover the requirements of the farmers in that month.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cartridge Ration.
There are not sufficient supplies of cartridges available to enable additional quantities to be released at present for farmers who are holders of shotgun licences. It is expected, however, that further supplies will be available at the end of July for distribution, in which case a new Order will be made permitting shotgun licensees to purchase an additional number of cartridges.
Is it not silly that a farmer can only get ten cartridges every 92 days? I have complaints every day from farmers of their beet crops and mangold crops being pulled up by crows. Surely something should be done to enable farmers who have gone to the expense of sowing crops to get some benefit from them. There is a loss to the State as well as to the farmers by the crops being destroyed. A neighbour of mine on Sunday——
The Deputy should ask a question.
When a neighbour of mine went out on Sunday morning last he found two acres of mangolds and an acre of beet pulled up by crows. Ten cartridges for a farmer for 92 days —that is a disgrace considering all the cartridges that are used in the winter.