asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will make representations to Ceimicí Teoranta with a view to refunding to Inishowen farmers all or part of the cost of transporting the coming season's Dutch potato crop to the Labbadish starch factory.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Transport of Potatoes.
I understand that the contract arrangements being made by Ceimicí Teoranta with the Inishowen farmers provide for delivery of the potatoes at the starch factory at an agreed price per ton, varying with the starch content. Accordingly, I do not propose to intervene in the matter.
In view of the fact that the setting up of a starch factory in Donegal is a new venture, and also that the potatoes will be coming from Inishowen, would the Minister not make it attractive for farmers—to ensure success at the beginning of this project—to grow the variety of Dutch potatoes required?
I say that it is being made attractive for farmers.
I do not agree.
If the Deputy will keep out of this, I think the thing will go all right. Contracts are being freely negotiated between the farmers and Ceimicí Teoranta for delivery of potatoes at the factory. These potatoes are being supplied from seed imported by Ceimicí Teoranta and sold to the farmers at a price substantially lower than Ceimicí Teoranta are paying, in order to help the farmers.
I may tell the Minister that I will not keep out of this. My interest, in the first place, is to see to it that the farmers will get a decent price for the potatoes, thereby ensuring that the starch factory will have a sufficient quantity to carry on with.
There is no difficulty in that respect at all. Agreements are being freely negotiated for the supply of potatoes to the factory.
There are not enough agreements.