asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware of the unsatisfactory system of ground lime-stone distribution in the Crookstown district, County Cork; and if he will state in respect of this district the cost of subsidy per thousand tons delivered from (a) the sugar company's works, Ballybeg, Mallow, (b) the Aherla limeworks, and (c) the Castlemore limeworks, Crookstown.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ground Limestone Distribution.
As regards the first part of the Deputy's question, I am not aware that the system of ground limestone distribution in the Crookstown district, County Cork, is unsatisfactory. Under the ground limestone transport subsidy scheme, the subsidy covers the cost of delivery of ground limestone in County Cork to the purchaser's premises from any plant within a radius of 35 miles. If delivery is effected from a plant outside this radius, the extra cost of transport over 35 miles must be met by the purchaser or the supplier except where the nearest plant to the purchaser is over 35 miles.
As regards the second part of the question, the subsidy paid to the supplier varies according to the distance of the individual purchaser's premises from the supplier's plant. The rates paid are as follows:—
|
per |
ton |
|||
|
up to 10 miles (laden) |
5s. |
9d. |
||
|
11 to 15 |
,, |
,, |
7s. |
4d. |
|
16 to 20 |
,, |
,, |
9s. |
2d. |
|
21 to 25 |
,, |
,, |
10s. |
9d. |
|
26 to 30 |
,, |
,, |
12s. |
4d. |
|
31 to 35 |
,, |
,, |
14s. |
2d. |
Is it not possible for the Minister to give a figure in relation to all the money that has been paid to the firms mentioned in the question in respect of lime supplied by them this year and last year in the Crookstown district?
The Deputy did not ask that question.
We heard a good deal here some time ago about the shortage of money. Is the Minister aware that, owing to the present unsatisfactory system, there is a difference of £2,104 in respect of the quantity of lime brought from Ballybeg, which has the effect of leaving 40 men idle in the village of Crookstown? Is the Minister satisfied to allow that to continue?
I doubt the Deputy's figures.
With your permission, Sir, I wish to raise this question on the Adjournment.
I shall communicate with the Deputy.