asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state (a) the number of applications received by his Department within the past six months for young sow pigs; (b) the number of such sow pigs distributed in the same period; (c) if more than one sow pig was given to any one applicant; (d) the price (if any) charged for the animals distributed, and (e) the class of persons eligible to receive a sow pig under the scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Applications for Young Sows.
There is no scheme in operation in the Department for the distribution of young sow pigs. I understand that the Minister for Agriculture recently promised certain inquirers to put them in touch with possible sources of supplies, and steps have been taken by the Department to give effect to the Minister's promise.
Is the Minister aware that during a visit of the Minister for Agriculture to Wexford the Minister promised a group of farmers who waited upon him that the Department would send them all the sows they needed to eat their surplus potatoes? What steps have been taken to carry out that public promise made by the Minister to farmers in County Wexford within the last three weeks? I understand that applications have been made since for these sows. He indicated that the Department would send all the sows they needed.
I am not aware that the statement made in the first portion of the Deputy's supplementary question is in fact accurate or correct.
Is the Minister challenging the statement?
The Minister is answering the question he was asked. He was asked "is he aware" and the Minister is answering "no."
You are not aware that it is correct?
What the Minister is aware of is the information he has given.