asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that certain types of paling posts are not acceptable to his Department under the scheme for fencing of sheep-grazing mountain farms in the Gaeltacht; and that the required standard posts are not procurable; and, if so, if he will ensure that different rates of grants are payable according to the type and material of the posts used.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fencing of Gaeltacht Sheep-Grazing Farms.
17.
The Deputy will appreciate that it is essential that fences erected under this Scheme must be up to a minimum standard if they are to be of any real use. The minimum standards laid down by my Department are not severe, and my information is that suitable posts can be procured. I think it would be a big mistake to allow sub-standard material to be used.
Would the Minister inquire from the Minister for Agriculture, if these posts do not appear to be obtainable in Donegal, whether he would undertake to refer grantees under the scheme to some source of supply where they claim they are not able to get them themselves?
I learn that the Forestry Department say they have quite a good supply of these in Donegal.
Therefore, anybody who cannot find them will get them if they apply to the Forestry Division?
The only qualification is that the Forestry Department sell, perhaps, in rather large lots. That might be got over.
Perhaps the Minister would look into the question as to whether grantees might be able to get special concessions from the Forestry Department?
The Forestry Department are looking into that.