asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been directed to a new price list issued by Bord na Móna on 26th May 1965, setting out very substantial increases in the price of machine turf and peat briquettes; if he will state the basis for these increases; if he will hold a public inquiry into them; and if, pending the findings of such an inquiry, he will take steps to prevent these increases which will cause severe hardship to the public, particularly the poorer sections of the community who already find the price of turf and briquettes dear.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Turf.
39.
I have seen the price list issued by Bord na Móna on the 26th May, 1965.
I am informed that increases of about eight per cent in the Bord's prices were necessary to meet increased production costs arising from the ninth round wage increase and unsatisfactory harvesting weather.
I have no reason to believe that, having regard to production costs, the Board's prices are excessive and accordingly I see no need for a public inquiry.
Deputies will be aware that there was an accumulated deficit of nearly £300,000 on the Board's profit and loss account on 1st April, 1964.
The Minister does agree that the poorer sections of the community find it extremely difficult to purchase briquettes or machine turf at present prices and surely the Minister must have some responsibility for protecting the people against the increases imposed whenever Bord na Móna desire?
No. They had to satisfy me that the increases were due to the increased cost of production.
Are wages alone responsible for the eight per cent increase?
Costs of production— bad harvesting weather and wages both combined.
What part of the increase would be attributable to wages?
I do not know if that is broken down. I gather that they hoped to counter the deficit by the increases but that the bad harvesting weather added to the wages increase did away with the prospect.
Would one-third be a good proportion for wages?
I have not that broken down.
The Minister ought to make it absolutely clear that the increase in wages is not responsible for the eight per cent increase. That would be untrue.
Surely the Minister must have that information on his files?
It is a combination of the bad harvesting weather and wages.
That is nonsense. If the weather is fine, does the price go down?
This year the weather has been very good and they have increased the speed of the machines.
Is the weather not good for turf production this year?
No.
I am not talking about this year.
I live down in the bogs and I know. I can assure the Minister that it is good.
The weather is not good for turf production.