asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state whether he is giving any subsidy to the early potato growers of County Dublin; and, if so, why he is not giving the same subsidy to early potato growers in Erris and the Doohoma areas; and if he will see his way to grant immediately the same subsidy to Erris and Doohoma early potato growers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Potato Subsidy.
Growers of early potatoes in County Dublin were not allowed to export any early potatoes of the 1943 crop. Their entire crop was utilised to meet the needs of consumers in the Dublin area, to whom the potatoes were sold at prices representing considerably less than the prices which could have been realised in the export market. A subsidy is being paid to such growers to recoup them for the losses sustained as a result of the prohibition of export.
Exports of early potatoes were permitted from the Erris and Doohoma area and the available surplus was exported at remunerative prices. I cannot, therefore, see my way to ask the Dáil for authority to pay a subsidy to the growers in that area.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, is he prepared to give an assurance, in the event of there being a shortage of potatoes in Dublin, that the growers in Erris will get the same sympathy from him as the Dublin growers got? They had a very bad crop this year on account of the frost in the early spring. It would be a great asset to them, and to the country in general, if they were to get an increase this year.
It is true that, owing to weather conditions, they had a bad crop.
They were pioneers in the growing of early potatoes in this country and should get consideration.
They realised as much for their potatoes as did the Dublin growers for corresponding dates.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that the Maugherow district in County Sligo is noted for the production of early potatoes, but that owing to the ban on exports this season the farmers in that area suffered serious losses, and if he is prepared to compensate these farmers on the same basis as the Rush farmers in County Dublin.
Growers of early potatoes in County Sligo who were unable to find a market for their crop this year owing to the restriction on export, will receive appropriate compensation at an early date.