asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is now in a position to state whether the beef cattle incentive scheme will be in operation in 1975.

7.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if hill sheep grants will be available in 1975.

I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 6 and 7 together.

I am not at this stage in a position to make any announcement about the operation of these schemes in 1975.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary state when he, or the Minister, will be in a position to announce those schemes? Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there is a rumour to the effect that the schemes will not be in operation in the coming year? Will the Parliamentary Secretary give the people concerned at least 12 months' notice of the termination of such schemes?

The Minister is mindful of this position. There has not been any change in the position since the Minister made a statement on the subject in the House last month. As soon as the Minister is in a position to comment on this matter he will do so.

I hope the Parliamentary Secretary understands what this means for the person involved in the beef incentive scheme and the ordinary hill sheep farmer. The Parliamentary Secretary should know those people well because he lives with them. Will the Parliamentary Secretary state whether those schemes will be in operation next year? Is it not a fact that the schemes will not be in operation next year and that the Parliamentary Secretary is not anxious to fight for those people or for their living?

The Deputy should not view this from a pessimistic angle. The position has not changed since the Minister made the announcement in the Dáil last month on this matter.

Will there be any change next year?

I cannot say so.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary tell us if there is room for optimism in the present situation?

Not in Fianna Fáil.

The wool has gone off the sheep and into the Department.

The Deputy can be assured that the Minister will endeavour to get the best terms possible.

Why cannot the Parliamentary Secretary inform the House whether these schemes will be continued next year or not?

I am sure the reasons are obvious. The Minister is not in full possession of all the facts.

Is there a danger they will not be paid?

Is there any money?

I cannot understand the question posed by the Deputies. There is no danger.