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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Jun 1966

Vol. 223 No. 6

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supply of Onions.

24.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries why onions are practically unobtainable in Ireland at the present time; how import licences are regulated; and who gets such licences.

In the interest of home onion production, import licences for onions are not normally granted each year in the period from 16th May until the home crop has been disposed of. Licences are granted thereafter without restriction up to 16th May.

Onion supplies have recently been affected because of lower than normal imports by traders in the period preceding the 16th May and by some depletion of stocks resulting from sales to Northern Ireland. As an exceptional measure, licences have been granted this year for the importation of an additional quantity of onions, in order to maintain supplies until the home crop becomes available. Licences for this additional quantity were given to those who imported during the unrestricted period.

Is it not true to say that for some considerable time it has been virtually impossible to buy onions here?

There were difficulties, but in these matters I have to try to keep a balance between the interests of the home producer and the consumer.

The home producer does not come into this because he has no onions to offer.

There were a number of difficulties this year, exceptional difficulties, and as a result we allowed in some extra onions.

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