asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the interest now being taken in promoting a bulb-growing industry in this country, he will state what safeguards his Department are taking against the possible importation of diseased or inferior bulbs; what are the specific requirements for the granting of import licences; and if he will ensure that no bulbs are imported without licence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Licences for Importation of Bulbs.
Bulbs may be imported only under licence. The licence requires that each consignment must be accompanied by a certificate signed by a duly authorised official of the phytopathological service of the country where the bulbs were grown, certifying inter alia:—
(a) that the bulbs were examined and found to be healthy and that there was no evidence on them of the presence of any insect, fungus or pest destructive to agricultural or horticultural crops;
(b) that special examination had been made to ensure that the consignment was free from the Colorado beetle.