asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture if he will state when the usual facilities for the purchase of agricultural implements through his Department will be again in operation, and if he is aware that the suspension of those facilities is causing serious inconvenience to farmers.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT PURCHASES.
Mr. HOGAN
The funds placed at the Department's disposal for the purpose of the Agricultural Implements Loan Scheme are provided in the Department's annual estimates. Accordingly, until the estimates for the next financial year have been passed, I am not in a position to state whether funds will be available next year for the renewal of this scheme, or what the amount provided, if any, may be. I regret any inconvenience to farmers which may have been caused by the fact that the scheme for the present year had to be suspended some time ago because the funds provided for this purpose in the estimates had all been utilised.
Will the Minister see that this money is expended on implements made in Ireland?
Will the Minister say why his Department issued application forms to farmers who made application when they knew very well that they would not be granted? Will the Minister also say why those who made application for loans did not get their money back when they knew that they would not get a loan?
Mr. HOGAN
I am afraid that I would want notice of that question. I take it that the Deputy states—(1) application forms were sent out when the fund was exhausted; and (2) the parties who applied for loans did not get their money returned.
Yes.
Perhaps it was part of the electioneering machinery.
Mr. HOGAN
Possibly.