asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that, in a circular issued by the Agricultural Credit Corporation, Ltd., detailing the procedure for obtaining loans, it is stated that loans under £50 will be obtainable through co-operative societies and that persons desiring such loans should approach existing co-operative societies; and whether he is aware that the Corporation has not supplied any information or advice whatever, as to their functions and methods of operation, to the existing co-operative societies to whom they have delegated this work.

The answer to the first part of the Deputy's question is in the affirmative. I am informed that the matter referred to has been receiving full consideration from the Board of the Corporation, who hope to be in a position shortly to issue to co-operative societies a memorandum on the subject.