asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that a considerable proportion of the fruit crop has been lost in County Dublin due to the prolonged drought; and, if so, whether he will consider a scheme for the relief of small farmers who have suffered very serious loss thereby.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin Fruit Crop.
I am satisfied that no significant loss has been sustained generally by growers of soft fruit in County Dublin because of the recent dry weather, quality having fully counteracted any diminution in quantity that may have occurred.
Does the Minister consider that a crop of raspberries which last year produced 20 tons and which this year, on account of the drought, only produced 50 cwts., indicates very considerable loss?
I am bound to tell the Deputy that no individual reports of serious losses of that kind have been made to me. I think the Deputy will agree with me that it would be a serious liability for the Exchequer to undertake to compensate every farmer in the country for an inadequate return on the crop he had grown. Nevertheless, if there should be individuals who have met with crushing catastrophe, I would expect that they would let me have particulars of their case and, if any case is known to the Deputy, I will be very glad to discuss it with him.