asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that the failure to obtain a supply of potato oats seed from more northerly latitudes is having a cumulatively bad effect on the quality of potato oats in County Donegal; and, if so, if he will state if any arrangements have been made to obtain supplies from Scotland this season.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Potato Oats Seed.
I do not agree that the quality of potato oats grown in County Donegal has deteriorated. No difficulty has been experienced by my Department in obtaining supplies of potato seed oats of high quality in County Donegal this season and I am advised that there is in County Donegal a foundation stock of excellent quality potato oats and that the produce grown there last season would compare favourably with that grown in any country. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.
Is the Minister not aware that while the quality of potato oats in Donegal may be suitable for providing seed for other counties, County Donegal itself requires a change of seed?
We have supplied to Donegal some pedigree seed from which they will be able to get their own stocks.