asked the Minister for Agriculture if he can give an assurance to turkey breeders that a reasonable price will be paid for turkeys this year.
43.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Turkeys.
42.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will make a detailed statement on turkey prices for the current season.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to reply to Questions No. 42 and No. 43 together.
The purchase of turkeys during the Christmas season is very largely for export to Britain, and the prices paid to turkey producers here are, therefore, primarily influenced by the way in which the market develops in Britain. Official poultry statistics indicate that, as compared with last year, there has been an appreciable increase in turkey production in Britain but that there has been a decrease in turkey production here. In the absence of a reliable indication of the probable level of demand, however, it is not possible to forecast the likely course of prices.
As market information becomes available, particulars of the supplies and prices of turkeys at British and Irish markets will be published in the daily bulletins which are issued by my Department to the press and radio during the turkey marketing season.
Could the Minister ensure that the people who enjoy a turkey dinner in Ireland at Christmas time will at least pay a reasonable price to turkey producers by guaranteeing them a minimum price?
No.
Does the Minister not consider there is any alternative market for turkeys other than the United Kingdom?
Not that we know of.
It is a wonder.
There was a very good market in Germany.