asked the Minister for Agriculture what steps have been taken by his Department to meet the claims of those farmers in West Clare who suffered disastrous losses of live stock in the spring of 1947, and what further steps he proposes to take to deal with any outstanding claims.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Live-stock Losses in 1947.
A special temporary scheme of loans (free of interest) was put into operation in April, 1947, to assist farmers to purchase cattle and sheep so as to replace losses caused by the severe weather in the early part of that year. The final date then specified for lodgment of applications was 31st May, 1947. The period was, however, extended to 31st October, 1947, so as to give all farmers who suffered losses of stock an opportunity to apply for these loans. The scheme was largely availed of by farmers in West Clare, and I do not think there is sufficient justification for reviewing it at this stage.