asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware of the general dissatisfaction among producers with the manner in which the beef subsidy is being paid and with the fact that it is not being passed on to the farmers; and if he is now prepared to make a statement, as promised in the Dáil on 22nd November 1967.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Beef Subsidy Payments.
21.
As I said in reply to the Deputy's question on 22nd November, 1967, I do not accept that there is such dissatisfaction. Arrangements have, however, been in course of preparation to enable a producer selling fact bullocks or heifers of eligible quality direct to a meat factory for slaughter for export to Britain to obtain the beef export subsidy direct from my Department if he so wishes. The new arrangements will come into operation on Monday next, 5th February, and details will be announced within the next couple of days.
What is the average payment per annum at present?
I could not tell the Deputy.
It is a fairly substantial proportion of last year's.
Up or down?
Up, and the farmers did not get it either.
The question is about the subsidy.
I know. It was collected by the meat factories. They collected a very substantial amount which more than doubly paid their wage bill.
I am surprised you people did not mention that.
We mentioned it in the Dáil and the Minister did not reply for a very good reason.
You are like children whose candy has been taken away from them.
There was no candy taken from us.
You cannot crib about beef prices so you have to go back. Perhaps you would like to go forward now and make a projection for next year. This is sour grapes.
It was on the Minister's Estimates last fall.