asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that the high cost of pig feeding stuffs is forcing many pig producers out of production in the West of Ireland; and if he will take the necessary steps to have a reduction in prices brought about as soon as possible.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pig Feed Prices.
45.
Feeding barley is the main ingredient in pig rations. The price is fixed by An Bord Gráin and deliveries to western counties are subsidised. The other ingredients in the ration move in response to changes in world prices which have increased in recent months. I have the whole situation under examination but I cannot promise any early reduction in prices.
Can I take it from the Minister's reply that he will give special consideration to the problem in the West of Ireland after he has examined the whole question?
As indicated in my reply, I am examining the whole situation at the present time. It does not require any imagination to see that any increase in the price of pig rations would have an adverse effect on pig producers. However, the whole question is being examined generally.
Is the Minister telling the Deputy and the House that it would be possible for us, if we so desired, to import feed barley of similar quality at lower prices?
No, I am not and I cannot understand how Deputy Clinton reads that into my reply. I would certainly not agree that the price of barley is too high.