asked the Minister for Agriculture if he has considered the difficulty of some farmers in trying to finance the purchase of seeds and manures under the Compulsory Tillage Order; and, if so, if he is prepared to make any advances, directly, or through the county committee of agriculture, to enable such farmers to meet the cost of the seeds and manures required under the order.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Purchase of Seeds and Manures.
This matter has been under consideration and, as a consequence, a circular was recently issued by the Department of Local Government and Public Health to county councils authorising them to adopt a scheme for the supply on loan terms of seed potatoes, seed oats, seed barley and fertilisers. Farmers requiring assistance for the purchase of these commodities should, therefore, communicate with the local county council.
This is the third week in February and how long does the Minister think it will take the county councils to formulate schemes and then consider the applications of individual farmers? What, in the name of Providence, is the point in giving a farmer a loan to purchase seeds and manures in the month of May or June.
A circular went out six weeks ago.
That is so and some of the county councils have schemes operating already.