asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries whether the ban on the importation of East German fertilisers has been removed; and, if so, from what date and under what circumstances.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Fertiliser Imports.
96.
The issue of licences for imports of East German potash was resumed as from May, 1970. The decision to issue such licences was influenced by the desire to make potash available to Irish farmers at the lowest possible price, to have more than one source of potash supply, and to meet a need of the Irish manufacturers of concentrated fertilisers for access to this material for their export trade. Also, undertakings have been given in regard to the purchase in this country of agricultural and other products for export to East Germany.
Arising out of this loaded question, could the Minister for Agriculture——
The Deputy is making an implication.
I know it is loaded. It is not the first time he did that.
(Interruptions.)
Would the Minister tell us who are the Irish representatives or agents from East German fertilisers and if they have any contact with or are members of the present Government party?
I have it somewhere here. The licence is issued to Irish International Marketing and Development Ltd, 91 Merrion Square, Dublin.
Is the Minister aware if any members of the Fianna Fáil Party or people closely associated with——
This would be a separate question.
(Interruptions.)
That is the reason Deputy Blaney put down the question.
I do not know what reason Deputy Blancy had.
I stated the reasons and I want to be perfectly clear about this. I look upon it as my business in this Department to see that supplies of potash are available at the best possible price to Irish farmers. The only other source of potash for inclusion in CCFs or for use as potash by itself is the international cartel, Potash Ltd.,——
What did we do for the previous three years?
In the previous three years the situation was somewhat different in that Canadian potash was available at a cheaper price than it is now but that situation altered and it became desirable to issue a licence for the importation of East German potash because it is better to have a supply from more than one source especially when supplies are cheaper.
On what date and by what means was it made public knowledge that licences would be issued and that the ban on importation which had existed up to early 1970 had been removed?
I have not got that information but if the Deputy wishes to put down a question about it I could let him have it.
But Deputy Blaney asked "from what date"?
From May, 1970. That is in the reply.
What date in May?
I have not got the date.
What is the potash deficiency in the soil?
That is a separate question.
I do not know.