asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware of the unsatisfactory prices prevailing in the last month for cattle; and if he will take any action to stabilise this uncertainty in the market.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cattle and Sheep Prices.
49.
I would refer the Deputy to my replies to questions from Deputies T. O'Donnell, Reynolds and Clinton on this matter on 21st October, 1965. As the Deputy is aware, the Government have since decided to continue to 30th June, 1966, the temporary scheme of payment on export of good quality beef to the United Kingdom.
50.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware of the poor price for sheep; and if he envisages any improvement in the market in the near future.
Until towards the end of June, market prices were higher than in 1964 which was itself a very good year for sheep. Since then, prices have approximated more to the 1963 level. Sheep prices, of course, depend mainly on conditions in export markets but the price guarantee by the British Government under the Trade Agreement 1960 for Irish store sheep fattened in the United Kingdom provides an assurance against excessive fluctuations.
Would the Minister not agree that the overhead charges to farmers are somewhat higher than they were in 1963 and that, therefore, being the same as in 1963, the prices do not meet present day costs?
I am not sure that it would be fair to say that the overheads of sheep farmers, as such, are to any great extent higher than they were in 1963.
The Minister will appreciate that the sheep farmer pays rates the same as any other farmer?
The Minister is trying to pull the wool over their eyes now.