asked the Minister for Agriculture if he gave due consideration to all the hazards which the poultry industry is facing before he took the decision to terminate Eggsports, Limited, and if he is aware that several bodies interested in the welfare of poultry keepers have given as their considered opinion that his action has precipitated the death-knell of that industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - The Poultry Industry.
Mr. Walsh
I can assure the Deputy that my decision to terminate Egg-sports, Limited, was taken after full consideration by me of all the relevant factors. The answer to the second part of the question is "No."
asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware of the serious plight of the poultry industry; and, if so, if he will make a statement on its prospects for the guidance of producers having particular regard to turkey prices.
Mr. Walsh
I do not take such a gloomy view of the poultry industryas the Deputy appears to hold. As regards the second part of the question, it is not possible to predict what prices our producers should receive for their poultry in the future since these will be determined by the demand on the export markets. I might mention, however, that there has been a marked improvement in recent weeks in the prices received by producers here for fowl.