asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the present satisfactory potato crop and in order to help the starving people of Europe and as an indication of the charity of the Irish people, he will consider substantially increasing the export licence of 1,000 tons of potatoes which he has granted to the Irish Red Cross Society.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Potato Exports by Red Cross Society.
I propose to take these two questions together, as they both raise points about potato supplies.
As regards the question of disease, my information is that, in some counties, the incidence of blight is somewhat greater than in 1943. The position is being kept under careful review and, if necessary, appropriate measures will be taken to ensure that supplies will be available during the coming season.
As to the export of potatoes by the Irish Red Cross Society, if the society applies for a licence to export a greater quantity of potatoes than the 1,000 tons for which application has already been made and granted, the matter will be carefully considered in the light of the supply position generally.
With special reference to the County Monaghan, will the Minister consider, in view of the fact that there seems to be a very large number of tubers there showing evidence of blight, facilitating those people in disposing of blighted potatoes to the alcohol factory in the Cooley area of the County Louth lest the introduction of these potatoes into the pits would spread the blight through the pits?
The County Monaghan appears to be fairly badly hit with this blight. I would like, however, to have an opportunity of considering the proposition now put by Deputy Dillon because I do not know, from the technical point of view, whether these potatoes can be used in the alcohol factories or not, if they are badly affected.
Perhaps the Minister will bear in mind the necessity of taking measures at once in order to prevent the blighted potatoes finding their way to the pits.
Yes.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the partial failure of the potato crop in the congested areas, with the consequent danger of a scarcity of seed potatoes, and if he will make provision to ensure a sufficiency of seed potatoes in the spring for the areas now affected.
Preliminary reports received indicate that while in some areas in the congested districts the percentage of diseased potatoes is higher this year than in recent years, yields in general will be up to average. My Department's Seed Distribution Scheme, under which supplies of seed potatoes are distributed each year at reduced prices to small holders in the congested districts, will be operated again next spring. The supplies of seeds thus made available will be allocated in accordance with the needs of the districts served. It should be understood that these seed supplies are intended to provide a change of seed for the purpose of maintaining quality and that the quantities available would not permit of general distribution of seed in any area. Farmers requiring supplies of seed potatoes should, therefore, secure them in good time.