asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that the barley growers of County Dublin are perturbed at the attitude of the Minister in failing to give an assurance to them of a market for their barley; and, if so, if he will give the necessary assurance.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Market for Barley.
I see no reason why growers should be seriously perturbed at the absence of official control over the marketing of barley of this year's crop. Those growers who have concluded contracts with industrial users are assured of a cash market for their malting barley and, as I have previously stated on many occasions, barley not required for industrial purposes can be used most profitably by being fed to live stock on the producers' farms, but in no circumstances will it be made illegal to pay more than 35/- per barrel for barley, as was the case for so many years in the recent past.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, I would like some day to bring him around County Dublin and show him the position there. He is talking about walking barley off the land. We have a number of agricultural farmers——
The Deputy should ask a question and not make a speech.
Is the Minister aware that there are a number of agricultural farmers in County Dublin who do not go in for cattle rearing and so cannot walk cattle off the land? Some day, possibly, I may instruct the Minister a little by bringing him around and showing him these things, so that he may give up talking this stuff about County Dublin where you have the position which I have already described.
I hope that all the farmers in the County Dublin are agricultural farmers.
That is a jibe.