asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that the General Secretary of the UFU stated to the Farmers' Journal that they particularly felt that the beef subsidy should not go to the meat factories; and that they would like to see a system where the Irish Government would use the subsidy to give inducement for more orderly marketing; if any modifications in the present arrangements have yet been decided on; and, if not, if he can state when such a decision will be made.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Beef Subsidy.
10.
I have seen a press report of the statement referred to. As regards the question of modifications to the system of payment of the carcase beef export support I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions by him and Deputy P. O'Donnell in this connection on 20th June. I expect that a decision on the question will be possible at an early date.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the farmers, including the small farmers, cannot sell their cattle at present and are losing millions, due to the fact that this money is going into the pockets of the factory owners and not going back to the small farmers? Have the Parliamentary Secretary, the Minister or the Government any regard for the small farmers, or do they intend to see that the subsidy goes to the small farmer, to the producer?
The Fianna Fáil Government have every regard for the small farmer.
Why the delay? Is it that these other people are all members of Taca, are subscribing generously to your Party and the farmers are not?