Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 2 May 1974

Vol. 272 No. 5

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pig Industry.

119.

asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that due to the state of the industry many pig farmers are unable to repay bank and ACC loans; and if he will institute a special fund to help them in the crisis.

My information is that pig farmers are not having any serious problems in repaying loans to banks and the Agricultural Credit Corporation. I have no doubt however that these bodies will deal sympathetically with any individual farmers who have difficulties in meeting their commitments. The question of a special fund to help pig farmers does not arise.

Is the Minister aware that pig farmers are going through a very tough time? That was acknowledged by the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries. They are finding it very difficult to keep up with their bank and ACC loan repayments. If an industry gets into difficulties there is a fund to——

The Deputy must desist from making a statement.

Can anybody who is in dire straits, who cannot pay back his loan and who is still losing money, come to the Minister for help?

The source of my information is the Irish Banks Standing Committee and the ACC. I am informed by the ACC that they have had no approach whatsoever from any pig producer about loan repayment difficulties. I think that reliable institutions, such as the Irish Banks Standing Committee, the ACC and the Central Bank, are more to be relied upon than scaremongering by Members of the Opposition.

The Minister for Agriculture told them to pull out of pigs.

Question No. 120.

Top
Share