asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware of the serious loss sustained by fruit growers in certain areas in South Kerry owing to the lack of a proper marketing system and whether he will arrange with the Dairy Disposals Board to establish a fruit grading station at Castlemaine Central Creamery at an early date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kerry Fruit Market.
Mr. Flynn
I am aware that owing to the exceptionally heavy crop of apples last season growers in South Kerry and elsewhere found difficulty in disposing of stocks of certain varieties. A large proportion of the fruit was of nondescript, unknown and unpopular varieties and I would like to stress that there is no market, nor can a market be created for such produce. The local fruit growers should themselves discuss with the Dairy Disposal Company the possibility of working an apple grading station in the area. My Department will afford every encouragement to any sound proposition of the kind suggested by the Deputy.