asked the Minister for Agriculture whether, in view of the suitability of our climate and country for the growing of apples, pears, plums, etc., he will encourage the expansion of Irish orchards by (i) banning or restricting to a minimum the importation of these products during such period of the year as is necessary; (ii) directing the horticultural instructors to schedule existing orchards, with a view to aiding the owners to produce maximum crops, and (iii) taking such further action in regard to fruit growing as will place the industry on a firm basis and in due course promote the export of surplus supplies at an advantageous price.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fruit Growing.
These fruits already enjoy protection and I am not satisfied that the imposition of further restrictions on importation would have the desired result. No useful purpose would, in my opinion, be served by directing the horticultural instructors to schedule existing orchards. The owners of these orchards receive from the instructors, on application, all advice, instruction and assistance they may require in regard to the cultivation and marketing of their crops. The development of fruit growing is encouraged by the county committees of agriculture under the schemes of grants towards the establishment of apple orchard plots and plots for small fruit and towards the purchase of modern types of sprayers and marketing equipment, as well as schemes for the supply at reduced rates of fruit trees and bushes and trees for shelter. The inducements afforded under these schemes are, in my opinion, adequate for the purpose.