asked the Minister for Energy if an application was received from the producers (details supplied) for assistance towards the substantial loss which they incurred for the years 1985 and 1986, owing to the very bad weather, if they will grant social assistance towards the problems which they suffered and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Assistance to Private Peat Producers.
137.
A request was received in my Department for financial assistance from the Iveragh Turf Producers in December 1986.
The organisation were advised to avail of the "soft loan" scheme which had been introduced earlier to assist private peat producers who sustained financial losses due to adverse weather conditions in 1985 and 1986. This scheme will be in operation up to the end of this year.
There are no funds available to my Department from which social assistance can be made.