asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is satisfied that his Department are doing enough to encourage the use of mole draining in the drumlin soils; the scope of the grants available for such work and if they are adequate; and if the necessary ploughs are easily available for the work.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mole Draining.
9.
My Department encourage mole drainage of drumlin soils in all cases where the soil conditions are suitable. The grants available for mole drainage are on the same basis as for ordinary land drainage and reclamation works, that is 50 per cent or 40 per cent of the cost depending on the applicants category under the farm modernisation scheme. I am satisfied that these grants offer a sufficient inducement to farmers to carry out mole drainage.
Grants have been made available from the special regional development fund towards the purchase of drainage equipment, including mole ploughs, for County Leitrim. I am satisfied that mole ploughs are available to applicants who are prepared to proceed with approved schemes in the drumlin areas.
Am I to take it from what the Minister said that he is satisfied with the grant being paid having regard to inflation?
It is 50 per cent of the actual cost. It is the highest grant for land reclamation in Europe.
Having regard to inflation is the Minister satisfied it is enough?
Yes. I am satisfied there is nothing to equal it in any other EEC country.