asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware of the grave dissatisfaction which exists amongst farmers in County Donegal concerning the allegedly unfair manner in which potatoes are being purchased by Céimicí Teoranta; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to remove the cause of the dissatisfaction.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Donegal Potato Market.
I am aware that a certain amount of dissatisfaction has been expressed by some growers in the Labbadish area of County Donegal owing to delay in taking up their potatoes for use in the Labbadish industrial alcohol factory. This delay, I understand, is unavoidable and is due to the very substantial quantity of potatoes on offer in that area.
Arrangements for the purchase of potatoes intended for use in the industrial alcohol factories are solely the responsibility of Céimicí Teoranta, and I am unable to intervene in the matter.