asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the number of cattle which qualified for grants under the beef cattle incentive scheme in 1973; and the number for which applications have been made in 1974.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers (Resumed). - Beef Cattle Incentive Scheme.
54.
The number was 585,839 in 1973 but the number in 1974 will not be available until after this year's inspections as only newcomers to the scheme are required to make applications.
Could the Minister give me any indication of whether that figure will be greater or less than last year's figure?
All I can say is that we know that some hundreds have dropped out of the scheme. We have about 5,000 new herd-owners applying.
Hundreds of new herd-owners with thousands of cattle?
No. We have 5,000 new herd-owners.
I know of a case of a widow whose husband was a farmer. He died and she applied for the grant but she would not be granted it until she took out administration. She does not wish to do that. Would it be possible for her to get the grant and to carry on with her stock?
If the Deputy gives me particulars I will see what the position is and that everything possible is done for her. The Department will have to be careful to see that the lady is, in fact, the legal owner of the farm.