Farm Modernisation Scheme accounts
D’Arcy asked about changing the scheme’s accounts system. Gibbons said the approved accounts meet EEC requirements and saw no need for immediate changes, defending the Department’s account book as manageable and useful for farmers.
asked the Minister for Agriculture the steps he is taking to modify the present accounts system under the Farm Modernisation Scheme.
Comment on this
In order to qualify for payment of the appropriate grant under the Farm Modernisation Scheme, farm accounts must be capable of yielding the essential farm management data prescribed in EEC Directive 159/72.
The farm account book issued by my Department is suitable for this purpose or, alternatively, farmers may avail of the services offered by those commercial organisations whose accounting systems have been approved by the Department.
I do not contemplate any immediate change in these arrangements.
Comment on this
Is the Minister satisfied that the accounts which are at present required of farmers are as simple and straightforward as they could possibly be? Would he not at least consider the possibility of asking a county agricultural officer, a farmer and perhaps one other person to have a look at these accounts to see if they could be simplified to some greater extent than at present and make a submission to the EEC to that effect?
Comment on this
I do not agree that the present account book as provided by the Department of Agriculture is unduly complicated or beyond the comprehnsion of any person of normal intelligence. I am also aware that it is becoming increasingly necessary for all farmers, in order to carry out their business in the proper way, to keep proper accounts.
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