asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the reason for the delay in dealing with the allocation of feed vouchers which is having a serious effect on farmers who are waiting for them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Feed Vouchers.
18.
The feed vouchers are being distributed to eligible applicants according as these are being approved. I do not accept that there is any unreasonable delay in the distribution of vouchers or that this is having any serious effect, at the present stage of the season, especially in view of the continuing favourable weather conditions so far.
I know of people who applied on 27th November and in the first week of December but they still have not heard from the Department. As the Parliamentary Secretary knows, there is a great shortage of feed——
The Deputy is making a statement rather than asking a question.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary try to have the applications dealt with immediately, or is it the case that there is a shortage of money?
No. Some 883,900 vouchers were sent to the local offices up to 16th December last. The indications are that practically all the vouchers have been distributed to the farmers. A further 26,500 vouchers were sent to the local offices on 13th January and these are being distributed as quickly as possible.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary tell us the total number of vouchers issued and the extent of the fund at his disposal to meet the cost of these vouchers?
These are separate questions.
The Deputy could make a little calculation as well as the Parliamentary Secretary. I have given the total number of vouchers and each voucher is worth £7.50. Therefore if the Deputy multiplies the figure I gave by 7½ he will get what he is looking for.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary tell us the extent of the fund?
Is it correct that applicants who applied for four vouchers had the number reduced to three and that some applicants have not got application forms even yet?
Up to the 5th of December the distribution per applicant was as follows: one to five young cattle, one voucher; six to ten, two vouchers; 11 to 15, three vouchers; and 16 and over, four vouchers.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary say how many applicants received the maximum number of four?
I assume the number of applicants who have a sufficiency of young cattle to warrant four vouchers got that number.
I am calling Question No. 19.
(Interruptions.)
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that a large number of applicants sent in applications and they have not been attended to yet?
(Interruptions.)
I have allowed a lot of latitude on this question. We have made no progress at Question Time today.