(South Tipperary) and Mr. Gilhawley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries why it appears to be administratively possible in the UK to pay subsidy directly to farmers on the sale of cattle to factories while in this country the payment is made to the factory.
Ceisteanna—Questions (Resumed). - Payment of Cattle Subsidies.
6.
Mr. P. Hogan
There is a fundamental difference between the British Fatstock Guarantee Scheme and our beef export support arrangement. The British Scheme applies to all fat cattle certified under the Scheme, irrespective of whether the animals are consumed in the UK or are exported alive or in carcase form. The support payments made in this country apply only to beef of the prescribed standards which is exported to Britain. They do not apply to fat cattle slaughtered for the home market or for a market other than Britain or to such cattle exported live.
On the general question of the payment of the beef export support to producers here, including the administrative aspect, I would refer the Deputies to the reply given to questions on this subject on 28th September last.
If it is possible for the British to arrange for the return of these deficiency payments on exported cattle to the farmers in Britain, would the Minister say why is it not possible to do similarly here on exported cattle?
I say that the reply of 28th September——
The Minister did say that he was anxious to find a way.
The reply of 28th September I have mentioned is the answer to the further supplementary of the Deputy.
May we take it that the Minister adheres to the view that if machinery can be devised to arrange for the payment of the subsidy direct to the farmer on the sale of cattle to factories, he will proceed to implement it?
Anything of the money we are providing, that I can get directly back to the farmers, I will gladly do it.
I take it that if machinery can be devised it will be done?
That is the intention, if it can be done.
Will you call them in and tell them that?
I am not in the habit of calling in people and telling them things.