Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 9 Oct 1996

Vol. 469 No. 6

Written Answers. - Interest Payments.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

186 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the amount paid in interest on loans from financial institutions by semi-State bodies under the aegis of his Department since 1992; if he has satisfied himself with such arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17948/96]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

The following table sets out the interest paid on loans and overdrafts in the years 1992-95 inclusive:

Semi-State Body	Interest Paid
	(£m)
*Irish Horseracing Authority	0.115
Bord na gCon	0.063
The National Stud	0.003
Teagasc	2.116
The National Milk Agency	0.001
An Bord Bia	0.001
Coillte Teoranta	9.991

* Includes bank charges for cash handling facilities for some subsidiaries.

While the arrangements entered into with the financial institutions are a matter for the bodies themselves, I am satisfied with their policies in this regard.