asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries when he intends to make an explanatory statement on the such calf scheme.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Suck Calf Scheme.
11.
Presumably the Deputy is referring to the new Beef Cattle Incentive Scheme. Full details of this scheme will be announced within the next few days.
Could the Minister say whether this scheme will be made retrospective?
No. I have made it quite clear that this scheme was a forward one for the simple reason that we could not possibly apply the conditions, even if we were desirous of doing so, in a retrospective manner. This just would not be possible. Apart from that, in order that people should benefit from the scheme, and indeed gear themselves to benefit from it, it was necessary to make the announcement well in advance of the actual coming into operation of the scheme so that it would have the due effect we hope for, namely of inducing people out of milk and at the same time we hope to increase our beef production. There had to be a forecast in advance so that the scheme would have any real meaning and could commence on the 1st April. The scheme takes effect from that day forward.
I take it that nobody will be embodied in the scheme before the 1st April?
No, the advertising of this scheme will start within the next couple of days. Details of the scheme and application forms applying to the scheme are already on their way to our various offices throughout the country. An advertisement which will give directions about what to do and where to apply and give an outline of the detailed requirements of the scheme will follow in a couple of days. One of the fundamental parts of the scheme is that it will commence as from 1st April and all applications for participation in it will have to be lodged with my Department on or before 31st March next.
In drawing up the details of the scheme has the Minister considered very strong requests to have the first two calves included and also to have the subsidy increased from £8 to £15 or £16?
I have considered them indeed, and had them very much under consideration before I announced this scheme at all. The scheme was announced in broad outline last November to start next April 1st. Whatever may be the changes either up or down, restrictive or broadening, that may take place in the future as a result of our experience of the working of the scheme, I think nobody can deny that the right thing to do at this stage is to go ahead on what is agreed.
It is a hopeful inference.
I am always an optimist, as the Deputy is aware.