asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state what provision is being made to recoup the inhabitants of Callinafercy, Milltown, County Kerry, for the severe losses they sustained in live stock, crops and household furniture because of the unprecedented flooding of the River Maine during the storm of 26th-27th December, 1951.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Losses through Flooding.
Mr. Walsh
I regret I am not in a position to pay compensation for the losses in live stock and crops referred to by the Deputy, but the Agricultural Credit Corporation, Limited, 11 Kildare Street, Dublin, provide loans for the purchase of live stock and seeds, and the persons concerned might be advised to apply for particulars to the corporation.
Would the Minister be prepared to make a recommendation to the Industrial Credit Corporation to grant loans free of interest so as to enable farmers to restock their land?
Mr. Walsh
The number of losses due to the storms and floods about the Christmas time were not large enough, I would say, to warrant such a recommendation. If there were nationwide losses the possibilities are that the Government would have to come to the assistance of the people who had suffered losses. In the cases that have been mentioned the losses have been comparatively small. The live-stock losses in the Milltown area amounted to 26 cattle and two ponies, the property of 11 people. In the Castlemaine area the losses were 52 cattle, four horses and 12 sheep. It will be seen from that that the losses were not abnormal. We are, however, making provision with the Agricultural Credit Corporation for the issue of loans to these people for the purpose of replacing their stock.
Does the Minister think it wise that the Agricultural Credit Corporation should at this juncture increase the rate of interest charged on loans from 4½ per cent. to 5 per cent.?
Mr. Walsh
That is another question.