asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the late harvest and early beet campaign which must result in an abnormally heavy demand for transport in the coming weeks, he will state what provision has been made to ensure that sufficient transport is available to expedite the delivery of wheat from farm to mill so that loss and deterioration will be avoided.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Transport of Wheat.
All practical steps have been taken to ensure that, within the limits of existing supplies, the best possible transport facilities will be available for wheat. Córas Iompair Éireann have been directed to accord priority to grain and grain products over all other less urgent traffic.
The Minister is aware that, last year, there was considerable delay in some parts of the country in the collection of wheat, which deteriorated, and that a loss resulted, as it was eaten by vermin and there was damage to sacks, and so on. The Minister appreciates that that ought to be avoided this year and that the problem is more difficult this time, in view of the earlier wheat campaign.
That is true, but the Deputy will appreciate that the position in regard to transport is no different from what it was last year, either in respect of petrol supplies or coal supplies.
May I ask the Minister, in directing that absolute priority be given to cereals in transport, to have due regard to the claims of scutch flax for transport, as it also is a perishable article which requires prompt removal from mill to market, while there is also the danger of fire in the event of its being left at the mill?