asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that tomato growers in County Dublin are very undecided as to whether they will grow tomatoes during the present year; and, if so, whether he will give the growers an assurance in regard to an economic market for the next crop.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Market for Tomatoes.
I am not aware that the position is as stated in the first part of the Deputy's question, but this is surely a matter for the growers themselves to determine. As I have explained on numerous occasions, my policy in the matter is to ensure that tomatoes are available to all sections of the community at reasonable prices; and, inasmuch as I do not subscribe to the view that Irish tomato growers must be less competent than foreigners, I anticipate they will avail of the extensive and excellent domestic market on which to sell their wares.
The Minister is not answering the question that I put down. He is trying to bring another red herring across the trail, as usual. I simply asked the Minister to give some protection to this Irish industry.
There is no reference to protection in this question.
I want an assurance that this Irish industry will receive reasonable protection and that the Minister will definitely be able to get an even balance between the consumer and the producer.
I can assure the Deputy that that I have succeeded in doing with an admirable degree of success.
Not when you are glutting the market when they are selling at 3/4.
"The Minister".
May I ask the Minister if he is satisfied that the tomato-growing business in this country will be encouraged or will be retarded by glutting the market with foreign tomatoes? I think the matter is a serious one.
I have no doubt whatever that efficient tomato growers in this country are making a very good living out of the business. I have no doubt whatever that Irish tomato growers are in every particular the match of any foreign grower in skill and ability and I have no evidence, nor has any evidence ever been produced, that any tomatoes sold in this country were subsidised, directly or indirectly, by the Government of the country from which they were consigned and I have repeatedly told the growers that, if they have any evidence to show me of any such policy of subsidisation, I will ask the Government of Ireland to take suitable countervailing measures.
Is the Minister not satisfied that the flooding of the country with foreign tomatoes at a price at which our producers cannot compete will endanger this vital industry? Is it the policy of the Minister, or the Government, to encourage Irish industry or to destroy it?
That is a wider question.
It is the policy of this Government to encourage every efficient industry operating in Ireland. It is not the policy of this Government to encourage racketeers who want to grow rich at the expense of the poor.
And gombeen men.