asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware of the announcement that there will be no increase paid for next season's beet crop; if he considers that this is reasonable in present circumstances; if in the interests of the beet growers he will have the matter reviewed and reconsidered; if the Beet Growers Association are completely satisfied with no increase for next year's crop; the date of the conference between the Sugar Company and the Beet Growers Association which decided the price for next year's crop; the names of all those who attended the conference on the fixing of this price; and if he will call all parties together again with a view to arranging a substantial increase in the price of beet for next season.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Beet.
30.
I am aware that the basic price to be paid by Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann Teo. for sugar beet of the 1966 crop will be at the same level as that for the 1965 crop. The price was agreed upon at a meeting on 29th October, 1965, between the company and elected representatives of the beet growers, and it is not my function to intervene in the matter.
Does the Minister not think it desirable, in view of the present rates level and the increased cost of manures, fertilisers and so on and in view of the fact that the acreage of beet was considerably reduced last year and is likely to be further reduced this year, to ask the Beetgrowers Association and the Sugar Company to meet again?
The Deputy is somewhat out of his depth. This price has been agreed on between the beetgrowers Association and the Sugar Company.
Surely the Minister must have information at his disposal which shows that the executive of the Beetgrowers Association met the Sugar Company and arranged the price of beet without consultation with the general body of growers? The general body of beet growers feel they are entitled to an increase for next season's beet crop, and I am asking the Minister to use his good offices to get these parties together again for the purpose of reviewing the whole situation.
Would the Minister consider giving Deputy Flanagan the opportunity of carrying out again the strike-breaking tactics in which he failed last year in regard to the Beetgrowers Association?
May I give notice of my intention to raise this matter on the Adjournment, because this is a very serious matter for the beet growers, and my constituency is one of the best beet-growing areas in the country?
May I tell Deputy Flanagan——
Deputy Corry let down the beet growers. He sold them out to the Sugar Company.