asked the Minister for Finance if in view of the official policy to encourage the revival and extension of our cattle trade with Great Britain, which was outlined by him at the annual dinner of the Institute of Bankers, he will consider introducing proposals for legislation without delay to put the farmers of this country on level terms with their competitors in the British markets by giving them full derating of farm land and farm buildings in order that they may have every encouragement to get back into cattle rearing and stall-feeding.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Derating for Farmers.
As the Deputy is aware, the Minister for Agriculture has appointed a commission to consider and make recommendations as to the measures which it might be practicable and in the national interest to take for the purpose of promoting and maintaining increased agricultural production. The position of the cattle industry, in common with that of other branches of the agricultural industry, will, no doubt, be thoroughly examined by the commission. For obvious reasons, it is desirable that the Government should wait until the results of the commission's labours and its recommendations are available before considering what legislative measures, if any, require to be taken and whether these should include so radical and costly a step as the complete derating of farm land and farm buildings. I am sure the commission will welcome any assistance which the Deputy, by reason of his knowledge and experience of the cattle industry, is able to give them.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, would he tell the House how long will the farmers have to wait for the report of this commission?
It depends on the expedition with which the Deputy and others interested in this matter will present their views to the commission.
If my recollection is right, I think the Minister himself thought he knew a lot about the cattle business.
Pending the report of the commission, would the Minister consider discontinuing cattle raids all over the country by the Government, led on by Mr. O'Neill?
That is a separate question.
I think the Deputy ought to let the bad days sleep.
Is the report of the Agricultural Commission to be always used by the Government when faced with awkward questions?
Of course it is.