asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if, in order to alleviate losses in agriculture, he will introduce measures such as easing of bank credit, the subsidising of fertilisers and the de-rating of land.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Agricultural Alleviation Measures.
21.
As the Deputy is aware, there has been a remarkable improvement in farm output and income in the past two years and I do not think that the difficulties currently being experienced in certain sectors of the industry call for the introduction of special measures of the kind suggested.
Is the Minister suggesting that farmers are in a happy state at present?
I am not suggesting anything of the kind. I am suggesting that there are farmers in difficulties and there are farmers who are doing quite well at present. The Deputy has sought three things. First, an easing of bank credit. He has been told just now by the Minister for Finance that the banks are taking fully into account the difficulties being experienced by certain farmers in the repayment of loans and they are being as sympathetic as possible in those circumstances. The second thing he is seeking is the subsidising of fertilisers. He should know that there is very substantial subsidisation of fertilisers at present. The third thing he is seeking is the de-rating of land. There is very substantial monetary assistance being provided for the de-rating of land. It is more than ever before.
In view of the fact that there will possibly be a further large increase in the price of fertilisers it is coming to the point with quite a number of farmers whether it will be economic to put fertilisers on their land in the coming years. The Minister can understand what a detrimental effect that would have on farm production.
The Deputy knows very well that this is a time when farmers cannot afford not to use fertilisers.
Question No. 22.
Has the Minister gone into the cost of production on all types of farms? The price of fertilisers has gone so high that it will not be economic for farmers to put fertilisers on their land.
I am surprised that the Deputy is trying to discourage farmers from using fertilisers.
I am trying to bring it home to the Minister how this will affect work on farms.
I am sorry, Deputy Crinion, but we must make some progress at Question Time. The Deputy may not arrogate all the time to himself.
Would the Minister please tell me what fertilisers are subsidised?
Phosphates and lime.
Did the Minister state in his supplementary reply that there was more money going for the de-rating of land?
Yes.
Would the Minister explain that?
All sections of the ratepayers are getting greater relief than they ever got before.
Would the Minister explain that statement?