asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will give details of the scheme for the retention and expansion of livestock numbers in line with EEC directives; when the scheme is likely to come into operation; to what extent and from what date it will be financed by either the common agricultural fund of the EEC or the World Bank; and the likely cost of the scheme to the Irish Exchequer in a full year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Livestock Numbers Expansion.
44.
The scheme for the provision of loans for stock expansion, at a reduced rate of interest, to help small and medium sized farmers to prepare for the EEC, is at present in preparation and will be announced at an early date to become effective immediately, and to operate until 31st March, 1973. The cost of the interest subsidy will be borne out of the amount of £350,000 provided in the budget for this and related purposes. The actual cost in the current financial year cannot be estimated until the period of the loans and repayment arrangements have been settled. EEC or World Bank funds will not be involved.
Is the Minister aware that it was announced in the budget that this project would be in line with the EEC directive? He has announced today that it will be operative up to 31st March, 1973, during most of which period we will be a member of the EEC. Is he aware that the EEC makes funds available for the backing of such projects as this? If so, why will we not get EEC funds?
There are two schemes. There is one now which will last until 31st March, 1973. After that, the second scheme which will come into operation is the scheme which will be backed by the EEC.
Does the Minister not agree that we will be a member of the EEC for three months of the period of operation of the scheme to which he has referred and that for those three months at least we should get EEC backing? We will be a member from 1st January, not 31st March.
The position would appear to be as the Deputy suggests. I will have what he said examined and conveyed to the Minister.
Can the Minister indicate what moneys are available for the expansion of sheep numbers and what finances are available for the expansion of pig numbers?
That is a separate question.
Both are likely to decline in the coming year.
If the Deputy tables that question for next week it will be answered.
Could the Minister give any indication of the relationship between this scheme and the livestock development project which is to be financed by the World Bank and applied to pigs and cattle? They are both livestock expansion products and I am interested to know how they relate to one another.
I am afraid I have not got that information.