Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 23 Feb 1993

Vol. 426 No. 5

Written Answers. - Lime Subsidy.

Séamus Hughes

Ceist:

259 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will consider the re-introduction of a lime subsidy in view of the fall off in the use of lime in disadvantaged areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. J. Walsh)

I am aware of the continuing drop in the application of ground limestone by farmers in recent years.

My Department and Teagasc have continuously encouraged farmers to take soil samples regularly and have the requisite amount of lime applied. Subsidies were used in the past to help farmers reach the desired level of lime usage and they were successful in this regard. Lime is a relatively low-cost farm input and its beneficial effect continues to act on the soil for a number of years. It is therefore disappointing that farmers have failed to maintain the lime status of land. I am keeping the question of the lime status of soils under review.

The funds available to me are being used to support the most pressing needs of agriculture and there is no scope for the reintroduction of a lime subsidy at this time.