asked the Minister for Agriculture, subsequent to his recent announcement of an increase in farm incomes, if he will state how these figures were arrived at and the average allowance in money terms made for: (a) depreciation of farm equipment; (b) purchased concentrates; (c) fertilisers; (d) building maintenance; (e) motor car, ESB and telephone charges; and (f) interest charges.
Written Answers. - Farm Incomes.
187.
The methodology used to calculate farm income is set out in the CSO statement of 25 July 1985 "Estimated Output, Input and Income in Agriculture 1980-1984, New Series", a copy of which is being sent to the Deputy. The following is a table of the estimated value (£m) of the inputs of materials and services for the following items for the years 1980-1984:
|
1980 |
1981 |
1982 |
1983 |
1984 |
|
|
Depreciation of machinery & equipment, etc. |
143.1 |
161.2 |
180.6 |
190.9 |
201.7 |
|
Feedingstuffs |
315.6 |
380.8 |
408.2 |
488.8 |
493.2 |
|
Fertilizers (incl. lime) |
164.7 |
194.4 |
214.1 |
235.0 |
264.2 |
|
Maintenance, repairs, etc. |
52.7 |
61.4 |
70.9 |
77.0 |
82.8 |
|
Energy & Lubricant |
88.8 |
115.7 |
130.3 |
144.8 |
153.7 |
|
Services |
36.8 |
37.3 |
42.3 |
49.1 |
56.4 |
|
Interest Paid(¹) |
192.0 |
215.0 |
256.0 |
235.0 |
221.0 |
(¹) Estimates of interest paid by agricultural producers were obtained principally from the Central Bank and the ACC. The figures include both borrowings for agricultural productive purposes and personal purposes which could not be accurately quantified.