asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the considerable delay experienced by farmers in getting results of soil tests from Johnstown Castle, due to pressure of work there; and, if so, if he will consider setting up a soil analysis station in Munster.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Soil Analysis.
I am aware that there has been difficulty in dealing as promptly as desired with the growing volume of samples reaching my Department's soil laboratory for testing. The number of samples tested has increased from 26,000 in 1949 to 100,000 in 1953.
The laboratory facilities for this work have been extended from time to time and are at present being further extended to keep pace with the growing demand. I do not, however, regard the establishment of a separate soil analysis station in Munster as essential for the purpose.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the fact that—apart from the delays in Munster—although Johnstown Castle is situated in Wexford, County Wexford farmers have to wait three months to get a soil analysis? Is that not an argument for a great increase in the staff?
Steps have been taken to reduce the delay to a minimum.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary consider that three months is a reasonable time to have to wait for a soil analysis test?
I do not think the delay is three months. It is three weeks.
I had my soil tested and it took three months and everyone else I have spoken to has given the same answer.
Three months is not an average.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the great delay in obtaining soil tests before using concrete pipes under the land project scheme; and, if so, if he will state what steps he proposes to take to obviate such delay.
I am not aware that there is any undue delay as suggested in the first part of the Deputy's question. The second part does not, therefore, arise.