asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that Mr. Eugene McGillick, Ardlonan, Carlanstown, Kells, County Meath, has been refused a calved heifer subsidy because of the fact that he has cows grazing with neighbouring farmers; and if he will take steps to have this subsidy paid without further delay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Payment of Heifer Subsidy.
36.
I understand that the applicant's stock is kept on the lands of two other herdowners. As my Department has informed the Deputy, a grant under the Calved Heiger Subsidy Scheme could be considered only in respect of the three herds combined and subject to the agreement of the other two herdowners. This is procedure which is followed in all such cases.
Is the Minister aware that this is a farm labourer who has one cow grazing with a neighbouring farmer, an Irishman and a second cow grazing with a German farmer who does not like the Irish farm labourer or the labouring Irish farmer? Will the Minister suggest how it is proposed to get these three people to come together in order that the farm labourer who has a herd number for the two cows will get the £15 subsidy, or is it supposed to be paid only to those who have a big number of cows and plenty of money?
No. The whole purpose of the scheme is to increase cow numbers. We have to administer the scheme along certain lines to ensure this. The scheme is designed to induce a man on a holding to keep more cows on that holding. Naturally the Deputy will appreciate that if this man has one cow on one holding and another cow on another holding we will have to insist on certain arrangements before paying the subsidy.
Is it not true that the object of the exercise was to increase the national herd? This man has in fact increased the national herd by one.
If we were to accept this sort of arrangement as a general principle, we would get into very serious difficulties and in fact it would be impossible to administer the scheme. The basis of the scheme is for herds on holdings to be increased on those holdings When you get into a situation where a man has his cows on another holding, we have to insist on certain safeguards. In any event, my Department conveyed this information to the Deputy and conveyed what our view is in this situation, and he has not come back to us since about it.
I have come back today. The Minister will agree that it is a most stupid suggestion that a farm labourer should be able to get two farmers, one German and one Irish, to put the two herds together for the purpose of getting him the £15.
I do not think that is stupid. We would be prepared to help in the matter and use our good offices if we are asked.
Will the Minister's inspector do that?
Of course he will.
I should like to see what the result will be.