Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Mar 1992

Vol. 417 No. 2

Written Answers. - Beef Producers Income Support.

Phil Hogan

Question:

163 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he is considering the introduction of low interest loans for working capital in respect of beef producers in view of the low level of profitability of this particular sector of the agricultural industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

Past experience with schemes of the kind referred to by the Deputy has been that, in addition to their high cost, it is particularly difficult to focus them on those in need, especially in view of the requirement that borrowers must meet the normal criteria of creditworthiness. There are no funds available to me to use for the purpose of subsidising such loans, even if it were possible to frame such action to be in conformity with Community rules of competition.

A number of schemes do, however, exist which are specifically designed to support the incomes of beef producers. A total of £76.2 million was paid to producers throughout the country during 1991 under the suckler cow and special beef premium schemes while a further £65.1 million was paid to producers in the disadvantaged areas under the beef cow and cattle headage schemes.