asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the prolonged delays in the intake of wheat in County Wexford; and if he will take action to alleviate this further hardship on the farmers concerned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Wexford Wheat Intake.
68.
I am aware that there have been delays in the intake of wheat in County Wexford and elsewhere. Such delays are unavoidable in a season like this when the wheat and barley harvests overlap and when it is necessary to collect the bulk of the harvest in a period of four to five weeks. All available storage and drying facilities are being used but at some points the driers were unable to cope with the quantity of grain on offer and deliveries had to be slowed down to enable the accumulated stocks to be dried.
As the bulk of the harvest has now been collected, it is to be expected that the purchasers will be able to handle the balance without undue delay.
Is the Minister aware that some farmers were told by the buyers concerned that they would not be able to take their wheat for periods of from ten days to a month?
I am so aware.
The Minister obviously does not know what is going on in the country.
I have a fair idea.
Is the Minister aware that when transport was sought by farmers in County Dublin to take away their wheat, all the lorries available were engaged rushing to the ports to take away Russian pollard?
Is the Minister aware that at a time when large quantities of Irish wheat are being condemned as unfit for consumption and being prepared for shipment abroad, we are bringing into the port of Dublin cargoes of Russian pollard? What we are doing is sending out cargoes of unmillable wheat in one ship and bringing in cargoes of Russian pollard in another. Does the Minister think that is a satisfactory situation?
As usual, the Deputy is introducing a red herring.
Not herrings, but pollard.
Red pollard.