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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 31 Oct 1974

Vol. 275 No. 5

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Loan Repayment.

69.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will extend to five years or ten years the period for repayment of the recent 8 per cent loan made available to farmers to help them over the winter.

The proposed scheme of loans at a subsidised interest rate to which the Deputy refers is a short-term measure to help the smaller farmers to provide fodder for the young stock which they wish to hold over the winter period.

The repayment period for loans is a matter between the lender and the borrower, but the interest subsidy would be paid only for a period of six months from the date of issue of the loan.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary state where the fodder will come from?

There is no mention of fodder in this question.

Are we not talking about feeding stuffs?

Is the Parliamentary Secretary saying the money is available only for six months at 8 per cent?

Does the Parliamentary Secretary consider a six-month period is adequate as it only covers the winter months? Farmers will have to feed cattle on the scrapings of the floor and I do not know how the Parliamentary Secretary expects the cattle will be in a fit condition for sale next March or April.

The representations made to the Department asked for some help to give people an opportunity of holding cattle during the winter period. The winter period cannot be determined as longer than six months. In circumstances six months is a reasonable time.

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