asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will arrange for the establishment of a national disaster fund to meet losses arising from unusual natural hazards and to bring relief to farmers if serious destruction should result from exceptional natural occurrences; if he considers that such a disaster fund is necessary; and if he has made any enquiries in other countries as to what precautions are taken to meet such contingencies.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Disaster Fund.
137.
I do not propose to establish such a fund.
Does the Minister not think such a fund is very necessary?
I suppose the establishment of such a fund would have advantages, but I do not think it would be a matter for me to undertake the establishment of such a fund. In all these types of situation with which the Deputy is concerned there are a variety of schemes which can be useful to aid the people concerned, without going to the lengths of establishing a disaster fund.
Who does the Minister think should start this fund, if the Minister does not give a lead?
I imagine it would be a matter mainly for the Minister for Finance to establish any such fund, if it were thought desirable to do so.
The Minister for Finance?
I imagine so.