asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the quantity of seed disposed of in West Cork under the seeds distribution scheme for congested districts in 1956, 1957, 1958 and 1959; and whether he is aware that a number of eligible applicants did not get any allocations this year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - West Cork Seed Distribution.
The particulars asked for are as follows:—
Potatoes |
Oats |
Wheat |
|
(cwt.) |
(cwt.) |
(cwt.) |
|
1956 |
3,060 |
947 |
— |
1957 |
2,240 |
680 |
10 |
1958 |
2,160 |
450 |
— |
1959 |
1,840 |
360 |
— |
As regards the second part of the question, I understand from reports received from my Department's local officer that no deserving application was refused.
Would the Minister state the factors governing the determination of these applications?
The factors are the poverty of the area and, as well as that, those who are most in need in the areas.
Would the Minister explain then how the following position could obtain: the application of a farmer of £12 valuation is refused, while the application of a farmer of £13 valuation is granted? I understand the valuation limit is £15.
The maximum limit could be £15, but it is a long journey back to the lowest valuation. In the area to which the question refers, only one applicant was refused. I understand the applicant resided with a brother who had received seed under this scheme.
Could the Minister not see in the Cork Examiner the correct position obtaining in these areas? Many people all over West Cork are sadly disappointed this year at being refused the allocation of seed under the scheme.
I might be conversant with what appears in the papers, but, after all. I must be guided by the reports I receive from the local officer. What I am stating here is based upon these reports. I have said that only one applicant was refused, and there was only one complaint.
The complaints are general.