asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that due to the scarcity of labour in North Kerry many farmers are compelled to dispose of their milch cows; further, whether he is aware that these farmers are unable to avail of the opportunity to purchase milking machines as the rate of interest under the present scheme, viz., 4½ per cent., is too high; and, if so, whether, to encourage milk production and thus reduce the necessity for importation of costly foreign butter, he will arrange to have these machines made available under the scheme at the rate of 3 per cent.
Written Answer. - Milk Production (North Kerry).
I am aware that in recent years shortage of farm labour in certain areas, including North Kerry, has handicapped dairy farmers. It was to assist the latter to overcome this handicap that my Department's scheme of loans for the purchase of milking machines was introduced, and having regard to the number of applications made under the scheme to date, I cannot agree that the rate of interest charged denies farmers the opportunity of availing themselves of the credit facilities offered for the purchase of these machines. I consider that the terms of the scheme are favourable, and I do not propose to seek approval for a reduction in the rate of interest.
The Dáil adjourned at 11 p.m. until 3 o'clock on Thursday, November, 22nd, 1951.