asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the steps he proposes to take to stop the export of urea.
19.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Urea Exports.
18.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of recent press reports concerning the re-export of considerable quantities of urea from this country; and if he will state whether this was done under licence.
20.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce why considerable quantities of urea were re-exported from this country in view of the urgent necessity at present for this highly concentrated nitrogenous fertiliser and its importance to grassland farmers whose livelihood is in a precarious position due to the shortage of fodder for livestock.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 18, 19 and 20 together.
I have seen newspaper reports in connection with the re-export of urea and the alleged shortage of animal fodder.
It is not my present intention to stop exports of urea, which require a licence from me, because according to my information the quantities likely to be exported are not significant in relation to our total requirements of nitrogenous fertilisers.
I am advised that net imports of urea during the current fertiliser year can be expected to reach a level which together with anticipated production of calcium ammonium nitrate by Nítrigin Éireann Teoranta should be sufficient to meet our full requirements of nitrogenous fertilisers.
I am, however, keeping the position under review in consultation with the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries.
While appreciating that the combined output of our own factory and the imports anticipated of urea may be sufficient to meet the entire needs, I would like to know from the Minister whether he is satisfied that the farmers will not be paying more as a result of using a greater part of our own production rather than using more of the imported product in this case.
I am so satisfied. The quantity of exports of urea will be of the order of 1 or 2 per cent of annual consumption. The shortfall of urea, which is now short all over the world, will be met by increased production of calcium ammonium nitrate particularly by NET. NET has adopted an extremely rigorous pricing policy of offering the keenest possible prices to farmers. Seeing that calcium ammonium nitrate is made by NET in Ireland, I do not think that a very small export of urea will significantly influence the price.