asked the Minister for Energy the financial aid he will make available to the Iveragh Turf Producers' Association having regard to the fact that the turf producers in this area lost the sum of £2 million (approximately) during the bad harvests over the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Private Peat Producers.
39.
In recognition of the hardship suffered by private peat producers, such as the Iveragh Turf Producers' Association, the Government agreed to my proposal to extend the agriculture exchange rate guarantee scheme to private peat producers. This gives them access to the lower rate loans, and the Government has guaranteed the exchange risk on up to £5 million in Euro-currency loans for the private peat sector. This facility should go a long way to easing the financial situation of these peat producers.
A submission was made to my Department recently and is under consideration at present.