asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that leeks, parsnips and carrots have been ploughed into the ground in North County Dublin on account of the alleged delays on the part of officials of his Department in dealing with applications for export licences and if, in view of this, he will hold an inquiry as regards this allegation; and further if he will be prepared to have applications for export licences dealt with by a committee appointed by the growers.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export Licences for Vegetables.
The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative. The quantity of parsnips, for the export of which licences were granted this season, was nine times the quantity for which export licences were given in 1943 and four times the quantity exported in 1942. Two applications for licences for the export of carrots were received from the area and they were refused, as there was a satisfactory home market for the produce. The case of leeks is at present under investigation. The number of applications for licences is 14. Of these, nine were received during the month of April, including six last week.
Will the Minister have the matter investigated by some of his officials, or even by the Gárda Síochána? I know for a fact that leeks, onions, scallions and carrots have been dumped by farmers in order to get the ground ready for other crops. I should like the Minister to indicate if he will have this matter further investigated. Will he receive a deputation from the farmers who have made statements to me that this stuff had to be thrown out? Will he even make arrangements to have this food conveyed to the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Dublin?
As I have pointed out, this matter is being investigated. The question relating to parsnips and carrots has been disposed of, and the only question that remains is as regards the leeks. It must be admitted that, if they are not disposed of very soon, they will not be so useful for human consumption.
Will the Minister have this matter investigated? Will he have these farmers brought to the Department to give statements, or will he allow the local Gárda Siochána to make investigations? I can give the Minister evidence that quantities of these commodities—scallions, leeks and parsnips—have been dumped simply because the farmers could not dispose of them.
I heard nothing about scallions.
I should like the Minister to reply "Yes" or "No."
Each application is dealt with as it arrives.
You stated that a man named McNulty, a factor, would take the carrots, but when he arrived there he would not take them. I brought that matter to your notice. Do you remember that case?
I do not remember that.
I want to know if this matter will be investigated?
It is being investigated.