asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that the storm, which raged on Tuesday, 22nd April, 1947, caused serious damage to many farm buildings and out-offices; that, on that occasion, several hay-barns were completely destroyed; and if so, if he will consider the advisability of making arrangements whereby the special scheme for loans free of interest may be made available to farmers and others whose indispensable property was damaged or destroyed by that storm.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Damage by Storm.
Under the scheme to which the Deputy refers, only farmers who suffered serious losses of cattle or sheep as a result of the severe weather in the early part of this year are eligible for loans free of interest, and the purpose of these loans is, of course, to enable such farmers to replace at least a proportion of the stock lost. It is not proposed, nor would it be feasible, to extend the scheme in the direction indicated by the Deputy.