asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that CIE free-mileage concessions on ground limestone deliveries are being withdrawn; and the action he proposes to take in this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ground Limestone Deliveries.
25.
The full cost of transporting ground limestone from the quarry to the farmer is paid by my Department through CIE, subject to specified maximum distances. In special circumstances full subsidy is paid on deliveries outside these maximum distances in order to ensure that no farmer will be deprived of limestone because of his distance from a quarry.
The "free mileage concession" mentioned by the Deputy is a voluntary commercial arrangement between CIE and the limestone manufacturers in which my Department are not involved.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that in the past week CIE have sent out a circular saying that they will not operate the free lime transport scheme?
I am not aware of any such circular but, so far as the free milage concession is concerned, as it applies to only three or four cases on average per year, it would not need a circular, I think, to inform three or four farmers of a change in the position. I have no information of a change.
I have seen this circular from CIE——
The Deputy is making a statement.
——to one of the biggest ground limestone users and, in view of the fact that this will have serious repercussions on the farming community, will the Parliamentary Secretary investigate the matter?
Naturally CIE will be looking for increased rates. I can assure Deputy Crinion all relevant action is being taken.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.
Sir, I would like to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
I would like to raise the subject matter of Question No. 13 on the Adjournment.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.
I would like a written reply to Question No. 134.