asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if there will be an increase in grants paid under the beef cattle incentive scheme this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Beef Cattle Incentive Scheme.
5.
The question of increasing the rate of grant payable under this scheme is not at present under consideration.
Does the Minister contemplate making an announcement at any time in the next few months on an increase?
No.
There is nothing to stop the Minister under EEC regulations? May I ask that question? It would be highly desirable that he would increase the grant in view of the increased costs.
Where did the Deputy get his information that there is nothing to stop me doing this under EEC regulations? That is certainly not my interpretation of the regulations.
Can the Minister explain how, when he can give the grant at all, he cannot increase it?
Because these grants existed before we went in and will have to be phased out.
So far as I know, there is nothing to stop the Minister increasing them.
Is the Minister telling the House that he is somewhat circumscribed by EEC regulations in advancing these grants? Will he cast his mind back and tell the House when he proposed to reduce them a year ago this was put to him and he did not advert to it at the time? He is the author of his own misfortune.
There is no objection to reduction of national aids but there is certainly objection to increasing them.
(Interruptions.)
Is it not EEC policy to encourage beef production and why, if that is so, can we not increase the grants?
We paid an enormous increase in beef incentive grants last year over what was being paid by Fianna Fáil.
Not individually.
Interruptions.)
Could the Minister explain why we have heard in the last few days that the British have increased their subsidies of agricultural products while we cannot do so here?
This is part of their accession agreement.