asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that farmers who applied for loans for the purpose of increasing agricultural production have been refused on the grounds that their instalments of rent to the Land Commission have been in arrears; and whether he will ensure that their applications will now be granted.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Loans for Farmers.
Minister for Agriculture (Mr. Moylan)
As regards the first part of the question, the scheme of loans for increased agricultural production, introduced last February for operation by the Agricultural Credit Corporation, Limited, prescribed as one of the conditions of eligibility that the applicant should have paid his land annuity within six weeks after each of the two preceding gale days. I understand that a large proportion of the persons who have applied to the corporation for loans under the scheme did not fulfil this condition, their applications being, accordingly, refused.
As regards the second part of the question, the provisions of this and other agricultural loan schemes are being examined, after which the desirability of any changes therein will be considered.