asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will make a statement on the prospects for Irish wheat in 1974 in the light of the present world cereal supply position.
146.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Grain Prospects.
145.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will make a statement on the prospects for Irish barley in 1974 in the light of the present world cereal supply position.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 146 together.
There has been a general removal of restrictions on cereals acreage in the major producing countries this year. The world cereal supply position in 1974 should, therefore, ease somewhat, given normal harvests. In Ireland, however, we are deficit in cereals generally. Since cereal imports are subject to EEC levies, prices here will always tend to be well above intervention level. The extent to which market prices here will exceed intervention prices depends on the prices at which imported cereals will be available.
While it is difficult to be certain at this early stage, I am confident that prospects for our producers are excellent and I look forward to a marked increase in our cereal acreage in 1974.