asked the Minister for Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the circular issued by the National Farmers' Association on 28th March, denying his statement in the Dáil on 15th February, 1961, that it was with the support of that Association that he was pressed by the Irish Racehorse Trainers' Association to grant licences for the import of oats as feeding-stuff for horses; and if he will clarify the position.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Import Licences for Oats.
17.
The facts given by me to Dáil Éireann on the 15th February last are correct. I do not regard it as a function of mine to clarify statements issued by the N.F.A. or other similar organisation.
Is it not a fact that the Minister's decision to allow the importation of 6,000 tons of oats is nothing but a slur on the Irish farmer and an insult to him with regard to the quantity of good Irish oats?
It is a fact that the decision to grant permission to import the quantity of oats referred to by the Deputy was necessitated by the quality of oats available here. Having regard to all the circumstances and the importance of the industry concerned, I have no doubt that the decision was a good one.
Is it not a fact that in Donegal, Tipperary and Galway, substantial quantities of first-class oats were available but that no attempt was made by either of these two groups, the bloodstock owners or the Irish racehorse owners, to purchase that oats?
I was under pressure from the organisations of the bloodstock breeders and trainers, from members of this House and also from the National Farmers' Association as far back as August, 1960, but I refused to make that decision until some time in January, 1961. I am satisfied that during all of that period efforts were made by the horse trainers and bloodstock breeders to procure suitable quantities of oats in those areas.
Has the Minister seen samples of the imported oats?
I have.
Is it not of a very poor quality?
It all depends on ——
—— where it comes from and who buys it.
It is entirely different, of course, to ours.
It is very poor oats and it is dirty oats.
What I saw was very nice, but it is, of course, unlike the oats produced here.
Did the Minister get any report from his officials as to the quantity of oats in Donegal?
I was in very close touch with the local officials and, as a matter of fact, I satisfied myself that everything that could be done to secure suitable oats there was done. In fact, they are purchasing oats there and will continue to do so, if they find anything suitable.
Was this oats not brought in partly at the request of the National Farmers' Association?
(Interruptions.)