Vol. 272 No. 4
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that many calves are being sold at £5 per head and even less at marts and fairs; and if he will state the plans he has in this regard and the efforts he has made to ensure that calves will reach a realistic price.
19.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that there is a build-up of cattle in the country which normally would be exported on hoof or processed; and the plans he has to ensure that they will be sold at a profit to the producer.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 19 together.
As a result of the increase in cattle numbers I look forward to a substantial increase in our exports of cattle and beef in the current year. As the Deputy is aware, I have been pressing in the Council of Ministers for a considerable time for action to strengthen the Community market. At the meeting which I attended this week measures were adopted which should go some way to improve the existing marketing situation and result in more satisfactory prices to producers.
With reference to Question No. 18, the Minister is surely aware of the depressed state of the calf market at the moment. Had he any representations from any source, farming bodies or otherwise, regarding the export of calves to other countries within the past four months?
No.
Now that the Minister has knowledge of the position, what immediate plans has he for those calves who are now selling at £3, £4 and £5? They will be just as cheap in the fall of the year unless something is done.
What plans does the Deputy expect?
I expect the Minister to do something about this.
Calves are dying of the hunger.
Arising out of the Minister's optimistic reply, is he aware of the statement made last weekend by Dr. Cedric Woods of University College, Galway, when he gave as his opinion that there would be no cattle export business from Ireland in 12 months' time? Has the Minister any comment to make on this?
I am not responsible for Dr. Wood's statement.
I have called Question No. 20. The Chair must be obeyed.
Is it not so that in the context of the prices——
The Deputy must ask a question.
——from an average of about £50 to £25, to put it at its best, the only cure the present Government has is to——
The Deputy is making a statement. Question No. 20.
——introduce a wealth tax?
