Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Mar 1947

Vol. 104 No. 13

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Losses of Sheep and Cattle.

asked the Minister for Agriculture what steps, if any, are being taken to ascertain accurately losses of sheep and cattle sustained by farmers as a result of the abnormal weather conditions which have prevailed during recent months.

asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the serious losses of cattle and sheep sustained by some farmers in the mountain areas of South County Dublin due to the severe weather; and if so, if he is prepared to pay compensation to these farmers.

As questions Nos. 42 and 43 relate to the same subject, I propose to take them together.

It is not possible yet to estimate the extent of the losses of cattle and sheep which have occurred as a result of the recent severe weather. As soon as conditions permit the county instructors in agriculture will obtain all possible information on the subject and include it in their monthly reports to my Department. It would be impossible for me to undertake to pay compensation to farmers in respect of losses arising from adverse weather conditions.

Will the Minister consider making representations to the Agricultural Credit Corporation to make loans available at easy rates to farmers who have suffered serious losses as a result of the weather?

I think the Deputy will agree that the terms of the loans given by the Agricultural Credit Corporation are easy as they stand now. It is only a matter of having the loans granted.

The only thing is that the farmers will be looking now for larger amounts.

Will the Minister consider introducing some scheme to assist people who have suffered very great losses? Surely there ought to be some kind of a State scheme to give them assistance. Will the Minister consider that?

I do not think the Minister can undertake any scheme of compensation for losses of that kind.

Top
Share