asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he will state what assistance and encouragement will be granted to people in the Berehaven Peninsula to aid them in the allout drive to develop the poultry trade, and if he will make this area one for special consideration.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Poultry Trade in Berehaven.
The poultry development scheme, recently introduced, provides, amongst other things, for the payment of grants to farmers wishing to extend poultry-keeping. Grants varying from £6 to £10 are available for chicken houses, a grant of £3 is given towards the purchase of a hover, and one of 10/- towards the cost of a Putnam lamp or brooder heater. Grants varying from £10 to £20 can be obtained under the farm buildings scheme, also administered by my Department, towards the construction of a poultry house.
Persons wishing to set up hatching egg supply farms to serve the various commercial hatcheries can obtain grants ranging from £103 to £168, and breeders of pedigree poultry who wish to extend their operations will be eligible for grants up to a maximum of £350.
Meanwhile the price of eggs during the months of heavy production is being maintained at 3/- a dozen. This will, of course, be of considerable benefit to poultry-keepers generally.
While the benefits of the poultry development scheme generally are available to all areas in the country, special supplementary measures are being considered with a view to giving additional assistance to areas like the Bere Peninsula, which are included in the congested districts.
Can the Minister say for what period the price of 3/- will be continued?
It will be continued until further notice.
Can the Minister indicate for how many years that price will continue to operate?
God knows where any of us will be in two or three years' time. We may be in our grave.