asked the Minister for Lands if he will state in respect of kelp and carrageen (a) the amount purchased, (b) the amount paid, and (c) the amount realised for each of the six years ended 31st March, 1936.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kelp and Carrageen Industry.
The reply to the Deputy's question is in the form of a tabular statement which will be circulated in the Official Report of the Dáil Debates.
Following is the statement:—
|
Financial Year |
Kelp |
Carrageen |
||||
|
Quantity purchased |
Amount paid |
Amount realised |
Quantity purchased |
Amount paid |
Amount realised |
|
|
Tons |
£ |
£ |
Tons |
£ |
£ |
|
|
1930-31 |
2,443 |
18,048 |
13,925 |
84 |
1,343 |
868 |
|
1931-32 |
2,681 |
20,504 |
20,502 |
257 |
4,394 |
2,524 |
|
1932-33 |
3,534 |
24,125 |
4,136 |
270 |
4,834 |
6,172 |
|
1933-34 |
4,559 |
23,765 |
511 |
180 |
2,344 |
6,417 |
|
1934-35 |
2,581 |
7,721 |
5,707 |
162 |
2,311 |
5,982 |
|
1935-36 |
— |
— |
13,399 |
9 |
175 |
1,876 |
The realization figures shown represent cash actually received within the financial year against which they are shown.
The figures for purchases are actual sums paid to gatherers and do not include any amount for handling, transport, storage, labour, or administrative charges.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state what is to be the programme with regard to kelp and carrageen on the coast of Clare during the coming season, and in particular if he will state the quantities to be purchased and the prices to be paid for such kelp and carrageen.
No decision has yet been arrived at regarding the purchase of kelp during the 1937 season. In the current year the Department was prepared to purchase kelp made from sea-rods and winter weed. The total offered for purchase in the County Clare was 42 tons, the average price for which was £2 16s. 9d. per ton.
Direct purchase of carrageen by the Department was discontinued in the 1935 season, except for small quantities required by the packing station for food purposes, and substantially the same policy is being continued in the present season. There is ample competitive demand at improved prices for all carrageen gathered and properly cured.
The quantity purchased last year in the County Clare by the appointee of the Department was 29 tons. Prices ranged from 1/- to 3/4 per stone.
Will the Minister consider giving a better price for kelp this year? Does he not realise that £2 16s. 9d. a ton for kelp is equivalent to ordering the stoppage of the industry, because the people are quite unable to gather kelp for that money? Will the Minister not consider paying a price which would make it economical to gather kelp, say, £6 a ton?
That aspect of the case will be considered but I am not in a position to make any promise.