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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Nov 1923

Vol. 5 No. 14

CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - PROVISION OF SEED POTATOES.

asked the Minister for Agriculture whether, in view of the almost total failure of the potato crop, he will make early inquiries, with a view to the necessary steps being taken to provide supplies of seed potatoes for small farmers and labourers next Spring, as has been done in previous years when a similar failure of the potato crop occurred.

I cannot agree that there has been an almost total failure of the potato crop this season. In some districts the crop is one of the worst for a number of years, but in most districts the returns, though less than that of the exceptionally heavy crop of last year, are quite up to the average of the previous five years. Areas in which there is a shortage of seed in the spring should have no difficulty in procuring supplies from neighbouring districts. I am, however, prepared, in conjunction with the Minister for Local Government, to consider the desirability of making loans to local bodies for seed supply schemes as was done in previous years, if it is demonstrated that these loans are necessary.

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