asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the dissatisfaction that exists in certain areas of south-west Clare regarding the marketing of good quality hand-won turf, and, if so, if he will take steps to ensure that this turf is not left unsold in the hands of local producers and that a suitable market is found for it without delay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Marketing of Handwon Turf.
I have had the position regarding handwon turf supplies investigated and as a result of the reports received I am confident that there will be a ready market during the coming winter for all good quality turf offered for sale by producers at reasonable prices. I am informed that in south-west Clare a large proportion of the available turf has already been sold, the sales to date comparing favourably with sales achieved in corresponding periods of previous years. Producers cannot, however, expect to dispose of all their turf before the winter and it would be advisable, therefore, for them to protect it against the weather by securing it in clamps, pending sale.