asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is satisfied that under EEC cereal varieties regulations there will be an increase in the number of new EEC varieties available in the Irish market for the 1974 season and, if so, if the foreign cereal varieties have been sufficiently well tested for Irish conditions; and if there is a danger that the high standard of cereal seed will fall due to the importation of new varieties.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cereal Seed Standard.
70.
Under EEC regulations there are no restrictions on intra-community trade in certified seed. It is likely, therefore, that a number of new cereal seed varieties will be available on the Irish market this season. Only those varieties listed in the Irish national catalogue have been adequately tested by my Department under Irish conditions. If these varieties are used, there is no danger that the high standard of Irish cereal seed will be affected. My Department's Leaflet No. 139 gives a list of the recommended as most suitable for conditions in this country.
I completely accept what the Minister has said. Obviously, varieties like French barley will be coming in. Is the Minister satisfied that after being tested these are all right?
If they are tested in Irish conditions and found good, we can rely on it that they are good.