asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if similar standards are used in the Six Counties and in the Twenty-six Counties in determining whether a farmer may be classified as a commercial, developing or transitional farmer in accordance with EEC Directive No. 159.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Classification of Farmers.
181.
In general similar standards are used in the implementation of Directive No. 159 in both areas. However the comparable annual income figure fixed for determining whether farmers may be classified as development farmers is, for the year 1974, set at £2,070 in the Six Counties as compared with £1,800 in our farm modernisation scheme. A further difference is that in the Six Counties there are only two broad categories of farm, namely, development farms and others. Here we distinguish between three categories, development, commercial and others, all of which qualify for aid for economically justifiable investment projects.
I have a general question on that; it is a very involved one. Perhaps the Minister would enlighten me afterwards.
Yes, fair enough.
Is the Minister aware of the amount of detail sought from applicants under this scheme? Has he actually examined or looked carefully at the application forms which have to be filled in? Is he satisfied that all the information required, which is most comprehensive, is necessary in all circumstances, particularly in respect of those looking for grants similar to those available under the farm improvement scheme?
I have been concerned about the long list of queries that have to be answered. I have asked the officials in my Department to look at these forms to see if these could be cut down in any way and still meet our responsibilities in the EEC, because I agree with the Deputy that these should be cut to a minimum.
Is the Minister aware—I am sure he is from Members of his own party—that it is a frightening job to try and fill in one of these new forms, even for a Member of this House who has normally quite a lot of experience of filling in forms for people who want them to do so? I am glad to hear that it is under consideration because I believe many people would have difficulty in completing application forms.
There are a number of reasons why this hesitation arises about applications going in. People are inclined to be suspicious that the information given on these forms will be used for other purposes. One of the things all of us should be trying to do is to dispel that suspicion. I am prepared to give a guarantee that information sought in this way will be used for the purpose for which it is sought and for no other purpose.
What about the wealth tax?
Whatever tax comes up will have no association whatever with the information sought on those applications.
I have noticed before that the Revenue Commissioners have asked the Minister's Department——
The Deputy may not make a statement. Question No. 182.