asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that several poultry keepers in County Cork were unable to secure oil for incubators and chicken rearing appliances during the present season and that consequently they suffered serious financial loss; that, because of the failure of supplies of fuel oil for these appliances, large quantities of valuable eggs were rendered useless and large numbers of young chickens died; and whether, having regard to the importance of the poultry industry to the country, he will take steps to see that supplies of fuel oil are maintained and that adequate distribution facilities are given, so as to prevent a recurrence of this wastage.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supply of Oil for Incubators.
I informed the Dáil on the 1st instant that I was aware that delays in deliveries of kerosene for poultry-raising purposes had occurred in some areas of County Cork owing to the current shortage of transport and to the concentration on deliveries of tractor vaporising oil for tillage purposes. I also said that arrangements had been made with the oil distributing companies to have deliveries made to the areas where supplies are still outstanding. Deliveries have been and continue to be improved and during the next few days it is hoped to have practically all transport diverted to the delivery of paraffin. During the current season, allocations of kerosene are being made to meet the full requirements of poultry keepers.