asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that there is a demand for a soil-testing laboratory in County Dublin because of the large number of farmers and tomato growers in the area who are anxious to avail of such a service, and, if so, if he will consider authorising the county committee of agriculture to employ an officer trained in soil testing and capable of carrying out such research as may be required.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Soil-testing Laboratory.
I am not aware that there is a demand for a special soil-testing laboratory in County Dublin, and I am satisfied that there is no need to set up one there. The Soil Laboratory at Johnstown Castle Agricultural College, Wexford, is capable of dealing adequately with all soil samples coming this season from County Dublin, whether taken in connection with agricultural or horticultural production. In fact, there is a special unit at Johnstown Castle which is largely concerned with tomato house soils.
Is the Minister aware that the farmers in County Dublin do not think so?
If the Deputy has information of any cases where there is delay and furnishes particulars to the Minister for Agriculture he will, with his usual speed, ensure that they are dealt with expeditiously.
Is the Minister further aware that there is a large acreage of tomatoes under glass in County Dublin? That being so, would he be prepared to consider favourably the establishment of a soil-testing laboratory or research station in County Dublin because the people there do not want to have to send soil samples all the way down to Johnstown Castle and await their return? A number of people in the horticultural business in County Dublin who had acres of tomatoes last year found that when disease came on the tomatoes a certain amount of delay was necessarily involved in soil testing. They want the research work carried out close to them rather than to have to send soil samples down to Johnstown Castle and await their return perhaps two months afterwards.
That speech is long enough.
The position is that, generally speaking, samples can now be dealt with at Johnstown Castle in ten days which is, I think the Deputy will agree, pretty expeditious.