asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state if he has made a survey of the destruction caused to corn crops as a result of the recent heavy rains; if he is aware of the serious loss caused to farmers; and, in view of this, if he is prepared to introduce a scheme to be administered through the various county committees of agriculture whereby the farmers concerned may be compensated; and further, if he will include in this scheme the derating of all land on which crops have been destroyed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Harvesting Losses and Compensation.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will take steps to provide compensation for farmers and grain growers whose crops have been wholly or partly destroyed by the recent abnormal flooding.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the increased costs of production arising from the increased wages payable to farm workers and from unfavourable weather for harvesting, it is intended to increase the prices payable to farmers for barley and wheat.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state whether, in view of the great difficulty, increased cost, and loss experienced by farmers in saving the harvest he has considered the recommendation made to him for increasing the price of wheat and barley; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state whether he contemplates introducing any measures of relief and recoupment for farmers who, on account of the recent bad weather conditions, have lost substantial portions of their wheat, barley or oat crops, having regard to the fact that owing to the operation of compulsory tillage Orders such farmers were exposed to the risk of loss.
As Questions Nos. 29, 30, 31, 32, and 33 relate to the same subject, I propose, with your permission, a Chinn Comhairle, to take them together.
This matter has been very carefully considered. It is not proposed to provide compensation in respect of losses or reduced yields of crops which may have arisen from weather conditions during the harvest.
Is it the position, then, that the only appreciation or compensation the farmers are to get for their efforts in the recent harvest is what was expressed by the Minister over the radio?
That was one.
Has the Department considered introducing some scheme of crop insurance, such as they have in the United States of America?
It was often considered, but not found practicable.