asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will give an estimate of the percentage of Irish farmers who, under the provisions of the recently announced farm modernisation scheme, will (a) benefit fully, (b) benefit partially, and (c) receive no benefit.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Farm Modernisation Scheme.
185.
The farm modernisation scheme is a voluntary scheme and all genuine farmers wishing to participate and complying with its conditions will be eligible for benefit. The range and level of aids available will depend on the classification of farms. At this early stage it would not be feasible to give firm estimates of the extent to which farmers will take advantage of these aids.
Can the Minister state what he means by "genuine farmers"?
People who get their livelihood from farming.
What about people who have other occupations?
They are either farmers or they are not farmers. For instance, if people just have money invested in land and have no other association with farming——
I was referring to small farmers who take up part-time industrial employment to supplement their incomes. Would these people qualify?
It depends where their income comes from. If 50 per cent comes from farming they will be eligible.
Am I right in assuming that the Minister is not closing the door now on the smaller farmer who has to supplement his income by taking up part-time work?
I wish the Deputy would not put fresh fears in the minds of the small farmers. That is something we want to dispel if they are going to use the grants available to them.
We cannot debate this matter.
I am anxious to include the maximum number of Irish farmers in grants available from Brussels.
There would not be any fears expressed if the Minister were not so vague.
I would ask the Deputy not to make a statement.
The Minister went to a lot of trouble sending out all information to Deputies.
Can the Minister state he is not closing the door on the small farmers in this instance?
Can the Minister tell me I am wrong—that the door is not being closed?
In other words, it is a case of "when did you stop beating your wife?"
The Deputy is suggesting someone is closing doors—that is what is wrong.
I am calling Question No. 186.
I am asking the Minister to give an assurance.
I have called Question No. 186. I would ask Deputy Collins to allow questions to continue.
May I ask one supplementary question?
We are trying to make some progress with questions. I do not want the Deputy to think I am unfair——
We have never got through so many questions so quickly in this House.
That is not the point. The Chair has a responsibility in the matter.
The co-operation of Members is important also.
It is, but Deputies should avoid having debates on every question.
With regard to the implementation of the scheme, can the Minister state what he is doing in the matter?
It is a foolish question and I do not propose to answer it.