asked the Minister for Agriculture the reasons for the delay in the payment of the subsidy on unmillable wheat; and if he will take steps to have payment expedited.
12.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unmillable Wheat Subsidy.
11.
asked the Minister for Agriculture when the State subvention of 12/6d. per barrel of wheat will be paid to farmers with unmillable wheat.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 11 and 12 together.
As announced in the press on 20th November, 1962, payment of the bonus of 12s. 6d. per barrel on unmillable wheat of the 1962 crop is being made through An Bord Gráin. The Board's arrangements for payment of the bonus were announced on 6th December, 1962, and I understand that payments have been in progress since 10th December, 1962.
Could the Minister indicate if the payments will be made direct to the farmers concerned?
I understand they are to be made direct.
And that the farmers have to make the application?
I would not like to be positive on that.
Could the Minister say when the payments are likely to be completed?
The payments are being made at the moment and it will take some weeks to complete them.
Weeks only?
That is right, unless there is some very difficult case.