asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will give detailed information concerning his recent announcement about the heifer subsidy scheme, including (a) the breed of heifer which is eligible for subsidy, (b) the amount of the subsidy for each heifer, (c) the date when the scheme becomes operative, (d) the limitations of each successful applicant, and (e) the date of payment of the subsidy.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Heifer Subsidy Scheme.
13.
I would refer the Deputy to the statement in the matter made by me in the House on 12th November when introducing a token Estimate to enable Dáil Éireann to discuss the 1963-64 Estimate for the Department of Agriculture. Full details of the scheme will be announced and circulated to all farmers at an early date. I am arranging to introduce the scheme at the beginning of January, 1964.
Would the Minister state whether the grant will apply to heifers only under this scheme? Many Deputies have received inquiries regarding this matter.
Heifers only.
Will a subsidy be paid on every calf calved after 1st January?
From 1st January to 31st December.
How long after the birth of the calf will the subsidy be paid?
I could not answer that one.
Can a farmer sell the heifer when she has calved and still get the subsidy?
There will naturally be a limitation on that. The idea is to increase the size of the herd so the heifer will have to stay with the herd.
You might have a farmer who would have to sell the heifer as he would be anxious to get money. Would he get the subsidy or would that subsidy go to the next person who bought the heifer?
The Minister intends to have the terms of the scheme sent to every farmer in Ireland as he now has a good roll of all the farmers, following on the bovine TB scheme.
Can the Minister indicate when it is intended to send that out?
He hopes to have it ready before Christmas.