asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will take steps to ensure that a fair price will be paid for the tomato crop from Gaeltacht tomato schemes in the present year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tomato Prices.
Mr. Walsh
During the period when the bulk of home-grown tomatoes are on offer the importation of raw tomatoes will be prohibited, except under licence, and it is not the intention that import licences be granted during that period. As a result, it is anticipated that home growers, including participants in the Gaeltacht glasshouse scheme, will obtain a good price for their tomatoes.
Is the Minister prepared to grant protection to the growers for a longer period than was given last year?
Mr. Walsh
I have already made arrangements with the tomato growers of Dublin to see me in June, and, if they are able to demonstrate to me that they need a longer period to get rid of their tomatoes, I will consider it.
When does the Minister propose to expand the number of tomato houses in the Gaeltacht?
That surely is a separate question.
He did not answer it, in any case.
Mr. Walsh
It is another question.