asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that in the Gooldscross and other areas in County Tipperary, paraffin oil has not been available for the past three months, and if he can explain why this is so.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Paraffin Oil Supplies.
There have been delays in delivery of paraffin oil for domestic use to certain areas in recent months owing to the irregularity in the arrival of supplies from abroad and to the difficulties experienced by the oil distributing companies in distributing supplies, due to the inadequacy of the transport facilities at their disposal. The question of delivery of petroleum products is continuously under discussion with the oil distributing companies and all possible measures are being taken to ensure the prompt and regular delivery of supplies in all areas.
I have ascertained that a delivery of paraffin oil was made to Gooldscross in the last week of February and that a further delivery will be made as soon as stocks are received in the local depôt.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that permit holders in County Cork could not get adequate supplies of paraffin oil for incubators and hovers during the past few months, and as a result numbers of chicks got perished and died, and large quantities of eggs were rendered useless, and if, having regard to the losses suffered by poultry keepers in the county, he will take steps to see that supplies of oil are made available at regular periods and so ensure that this loss will not recur.
I am aware that the delays to which the Deputy refers have occurred. They were due to the irregularity in the receipt of supplies from abroad and to difficulties of internal distribution by the oil companies arising out of a lack of equipment. I have made inquiry into this matter and anticipate that it will be possible within a fairly short period to make arrangements which will ensure reasonable continuity of supplies, especially to meet the needs of essential users such as poultry keepers.
Mr. Lehane
Would it be possible for the Minister to arrange for the Department of Agriculture not to instruct poultry keepers or farmers to keep poultry at that particular stage when the supplies of oil are not available?
I suggest to the Deputy to put that to the Minister for Agriculture.