asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware of the general dissatisfaction with the manner in which the beef subsidy is being paid; and, if so, if he will make this subsidy payable to the farmer and not to the exporter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Beef Subsidy.
19.
I do not accept that there is such dissatisfaction. When my discussions with the British Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on trade in cattle and beef between the two countries have concluded, I intend to make a statement on a number of matters relating to this trade, including the question of direct payment of the carcase beef subsidy to producers.
Is the Minister aware that it was promised last year at the Fianna Fáil Árd-Fheis that in a short time this subsidy would be paid direct to the farmers? Does the Minister not think this £6 million should go directly to the producers?
I am sorry to disappoint the Deputy, but I shall disappoint him when I tell him it will soon be paid direct.
Deputies
Hear, hear.
The Minister stated there was not any dissatisfaction. Is the Minister not aware that those people were getting £20 to £25 per beast in subsidy, that the exporters of store cattle had to buy here and sell on the same market, that they were at a very big disadvantage and that consequently they were very annoyed?
I am afraid the Deputy is going back a little in time: he is using last year's argument this year.
The same applies this year.