asked the, Minister for Justice to state the number of farmers in the Saorstát who (1) have taken protection of the Court, (2) filed petitions in bankruptcy, (3) have been adjudicated bankrupt in the years 1924, 1925, 1926, 1927.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - FARMERS' PETITIONS IN BANKRUPTCY.
In answering the Deputy's question it is necessary to distinguish between persons whose sole occupation is farming and persons who in addition to farming are engaged in some other trade or occupation as well and are described in the official returns supplied to me as "partly farmer."
The number of petitions for agreement made by farmers was 15 in 1924, 15 in 1925, 10 in 1926, and 3 in 1927 up to date. The number of similar petitions made by persons described as "partly farmers" was 7 in 1924, 10 in 1925, 2 in 1926, and 10 in 1927. The total for both farmers and persons who are partly farmers was 22 in 1924, 25 in 1925, 12 in 1926, and 13 in 1927.
The number of bankruptcies on the bankrupt's own petition was, in the case of farmers, 3 in 1924, 5 in 1925, 2 in 1926, and 5 in 1927. In the case of those who are partly farmers the figures are 1 in 1924, 1 in 1925, none in 1926, and none in 1927. The totals for both classes are 4 in 1924, 6 in 1925, 2 in 1926, and 5 in 1927.
The number of bankruptcies on creditors' petitions was, in the case of farmers, 13 in 1924, 10 in 1925, 14 in 1926, and 4 in 1927. The figures for those who are "partly farmers" are 4 in 1924, 2 in 1925, none in 1926 and none in 1927. The totals for both classes are 17 in 1924, 12 in 1925, 14 in 1926, and 4 in 1927.
In view of the depression in agriculture, is the Minister going to take any steps to stop these processes during the proposed recess? I refer not alone to bankruptcies but to decrees.
Is the Minister aware that he has exceeded the speed limit in the reading out of his answer?
That from Deputy Davin!
I desire to give notice that I will raise this matter on the adjournment—namely, the inability of the farming community to pay.
I cannot make them pay their debts, unfortunately.