asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that considerable dissatisfaction exists among farmers owing to the restrictions that are imposed on the use of agricultural tractors for the conveyance of farm produce on public roads; and, if so, in view of the hindrance this is to farmers, whether he will take steps to have these restrictions modified.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Transport of Produce by Tractors.
A farmer using a tractor to haul his own produce to an outfarm, fair or the like is entitled to tax his tractor at the £6 rate as against other modes of taxation, which vary between £21 and £105, according to use and weight. I would also refer the Deputy to a reply to a Parliamentary question on this subject to Deputy P.O'Reilly on the 16th December last.
Is the Minister aware that since the reply was given to Deputy O'Reilly's question last December prosecutions have been issued against farmers for carrying ordinary farm produce to the market and fines have been imposed, and does the Minister not think it desirable to have legislation introduced to clarify the position so that farmers can use their tractors on the road for the conveyance of farm produce without interference?
A farmer using a tractor for purely agricultural purposes, for example, going from one farm to another, is permitted to use public roads for the nominal licence fee of 5/-. If the farmer wishes to draw his own produce to a fair for disposal wholesale, he can do so for a licence fee of £6. Tractors otherwise used must pay between £21 and £105. The matter is one for the Finance Department as to the fixing of the rates of taxation.
Is the Minister aware that it was found necessary to issue a circular to the Garda Síochána instructing them not to proceed with prosecutions pending clarification of the position? Therefore, in view of that circumstance, is it not necessary to have legislation introduced immediately amending the Finance Act of 1926 to ensure that a farmer can use his tractor for any purpose for which a horse was formerly used for the conveyance of farm produce either to or from his farm?