asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the number of applications for the cattle loan scheme; and if, in view of the lack of interest in the scheme, he will consider improving its terms.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cattle Loan Scheme.
17.
Up to Friday, 3rd January, 1,027 applications had been received under the scheme of subsidised loans for the retention of young cattle over the winter. This scheme is governed by a regulation from the EEC, who must be consulted about any changes in its conditions. I have the situation under review.
In view of the fact that such a large number of farmers have a valuation of less than £50 and that only approximately 1,000 applied for the scheme, does this not imply that the scheme is not acceptable to the farmers? In view of that, would the Parliamentary Secretary not consider giving a grant or improving the scheme to make it more acceptable to the farmers?
Another interpretation could be put on that, namely, that the number of farmers requiring to benefit from the scheme is quite limited.
Am I correct in assuming that 1,027 applications were sanctioned? If I am correct in that, will the Parliamentary Secretary say how many applications were received and how much money has been given to the 1,027 people whose applications were sanctioned?
As I stated in my reply, 1,027 applications were received; 890 of them involving loans totalling more than £360,000 have been certified by officers of the farm development centres, as allowed under the scheme. That is the position today.