With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose taking Questions Nos. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 together.
The most intensive drumlin soil area comprises South Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan, North Roscommon and East Sligo. This is part of the main drumlin belt which stretches from County Louth to South Donegal. Drumlins are oval or egg-shaped, generally about half a mile in length and rising 100 to 200 feet above the surrounding countryside. They constitute a complex system of soil types with considerable variation in distribution. Drumlin soils in general and especially in Leitrim, West Cavan, North Roscommon and East Sligo are heavy and difficult to drain and because of this are best suited to grass production. Dairying based on good grassland management, calf rearing and pig production are some of the activities that can profitably be pursued by farmers in the area. In East Cavan and Monaghan where the soil is more free-draining tillage crops are successfully grown.
While some parts of the drumlin belt are unsuitable for tillage crops the majority of the farmers there benefit from the heavily subsidised creamery milk price; the price support arrangements for beef; the store cattle price link with the guaranteed prices for cattle in Britain; and the guaranteed prices for pigs. The Government, however, recognised that special problems are presented by drumlin soil conditions in deciding to include Counties Cavan and Monaghan within the 12county "western area" where a number of special measures of assistance to farmers are in operation. A very large proportion of the drumlin farmers can avail of these special measures and also of various schemes, including the Small Farm (Incentive Bonus) Scheme, designed to help the smaller farmers. I am not satisfied therefore that additional preferential treatment for the drumlin areas, as suggested by the Deputy, would be warranted. I might add, however, that I am giving close attention at present to the whole question whether some further re-orientation of State expenditure in favour of certain categories of farmers would not be desirable.
Regarding grants for surface drainage, I am satisfied that this is already adequately catered for under the Land Project. Grants are not available under the Project for maintenance work and I do not propose to alter the scheme to cater for work which should form part of normal farm husbandry.
The organisation of the disposal of skim milk is primarily a matter for the local creameries. I would point out, however, that by far the most remunerative way of disposing of skim milk is to use it for feeding to livestock, especially pigs.
I am aware that because of the wet conditions in most parts of the drumlin area, liver fluke infestation in livestock is a serious problem there, as, indeed, it is in many other parts of the country. I have already established an expert group to advise me on how best to control and prevent this disease and my Department is co-operating in trials with a new product which it is hoped will reduce the incidence of fluke. There are difficulties, apart from financial considerations, in the way of subsidising the prices of anti-parasitic drugs. The cost of dosing is not high in relation to the value of animals and all farmers would be well advised to take the necessary precautions as a matter of good husbandry.