asked the Minister for Finance the usual annual interest rate paid by farmers on (a) short-term loans and (b) long-term loans in the following countries:—(i) Germany, (ii) France, (iii) Belgium and (iv) Ireland.
Written Answers. - Farmer Interest Rates.
62.
The current interest rates in respect of short-term and long-term lending by the associated banks for agriculture in Ireland are as follows: Short-term lending, 18½ per cent; Long-term lending, 19-20 per cent. The corresponding rates charged by the Agricultural Credit Corporation are 19½ to 20 per cent and 20 to 21 per cent respectively.
Similar information in respect of the other countries mentioned in the Deputy's question is not available in my Department.