asked the Minister for Agriculture whether, in order to promote increased cultivation of potatoes, he will immediately take steps to provide a subsidy of £10 per acre of potatoes planted during the present year.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cultivation of Potatoes.
I consider that an adequate acreage of potatoes will be attained without the aid of a subsidy.
Is the Minister aware that there is need for a substantial increase in the acreage of potatoes in order to safeguard the country against shortage or failure of the green crops and so as to provide a margin of safety? Is he aware that, owing to the increase in the acreage of beet, there is danger of a falling off in the acreage under potatoes and that there is a similar danger owing to the increased price and difficulty of obtaining seed this year?
If I were to ask and obtain from the Dáil £5,000,000, I think I could make better use of it for agricultural purposes than the use of it the Deputy suggests.
I think that money could not be spent to better advantage than in providing a basic foodstuff which can be produced in the country.