asked the Minister for Agriculture if he proposes to take any action to speed up the intake of feeding barley at drying points next season; and if he has conferred with farmers, or trade organisations, on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Intake of Feeding Barley.
19.
Feeding barley is purchased through normal trade channels and the provision of increased drying or storage facilities is primarily a matter for the trade interests concerned, to whom loan facilities for the purpose are available. Discussions have recently been held with representatives of cooperatives and grain traders who urged the provision of State grants for drying and storage facilities for feeding barley. These representations are at present under consideration.
Would the Minister agree that the position is that if the amount of feeding barley is to be increased as expected, by 15 to 20 per cent, something must be done now? The provision of drying and storage accommodation cannot be carried out in a month. Time is rapidly running out and next August there could be a serious crisis.
Generous facilities have been available for a considerable time past to those interests that have the responsibility in this matter. As I have stated, these interests have recently come to my Department with a different set of proposals, which are being examined.
Would the Minister try to have the matter expedited?
Everything that comes my way is dealt with as expeditiously as possible.
Not on your life. Some things take about 10 or 20 years.