asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state what facilities he proposes to make available to the Bee-keepers' Association in Castletownbere.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Castletownbere Bee-Keepers.
Beehives, swarms and equipment were supplied at reduced prices to smallholders in the Beara peninsula and other Gaeltacht areas some years ago under the terms of a special scheme operated by my Department for the encouragement of bee-keeping in these areas. Replacement swarms continue to be supplied at about one-third cost price and technical advice and preventive specifics are provided free.
The unlimited market in Britain for section and run honey produced in this country should provide an incentive to bee-keepers throughout the country to put bee-keeping in a strong position.
In view of the fact that a big effort has been made to establish a bee-keeping association on a large basis in Castletownbere, will the Minister keep himself informed of the situation down there and give them all the encouragement he can?
With the greatest pleasure.