asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that present and potential growers of tomatoes in County Dublin do not know what the policy of the Government towards their crop will be during the coming season; and, if so, whether he will state what protection and encouragment he will give to this industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tomato Growing (County Dublin).
The policy of the Government in regard to tomatoes is to ensure that supplies of this necessary vitamin food will not be denied to poor people by preventing them from having access to supplies of tomatoes at prices which they can afford to pay. A protective tariff of 2d. per lb. is levied on all tomatoes entering Ireland from the Continent and shipping costs have also to be paid up on them. These charges will be continued in 1949 and it is not anticipated that any substantial increase of tomato imports is likely over the quantities imported in 1948.
Due to the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply, with your permission, a Chinn Chomhairle, I intend to raise this on the Adjournment.
Two matters have been proposed.