asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will consider extending the scheme whereby day-old chicks are available at 2/6 per dozen in the Goleen area of West Cork.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Day-Old Chicks' Scheme.
Mr. Walsh
The scheme in question is intended to apply to certain Gaeltacht areas only and I do not propose to extend it to areas other than these. Poultry keepers in non-Gaeltacht districts such as that referred to by the Deputy benefit by the general subsidy scheme under which day-old chicks can be purchased at 5/- to 8/- per dozen less than the price they would otherwise have to pay.
In view of the fact that the Minister's predecessor extended this scheme to the area of Beara and having regard to the peculiar nature of the Goleen peninsula, would the Minister reconsider the matter? While it is not actually a Gaeltacht area, it has all the configuration and characteristics of any Gaeltacht area, being that type of congested district.
Mr. Walsh
Extending it to that area would mean that we would have a lot of other areas coming in as well.
The Minister knows the type of area it is.
Mr. Walsh
We have to draw the line somewhere.