With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 to 30, inclusive together.
Official statistics are not yet available for imports of tomatoes in 1974. I understand however that the only tomatoes being imported at present from EEC sources are from the Netherlands. Imports from the United Kingdom earlier in the year were not significant. Notwithstanding the imports from the Netherlands, prices received on the home market by Irish producers so far this year compare very favourably with prices received in the same period in recent years.
There is a prohibition on imports of tomatoes into Ireland from third countries from 15th May until the marketing of the Irish crop is completed. Imports of tomatoes from EEC countries are subject to duty at the rate of 16p per 12 lb tray from the United Kingdom and 24p per 12 lb tray from the other member countries.
The implementation of the recent judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Communities should result in a compensatory amount—inclusive of import duty—of approximately 44p per 12 lb tray being charged on imports of tomatoes from EEC countries, other than Denmark, from 11th June to 21st November, 1974. Irish exports to such EEC countries and to third countries should qualify for a compensatory payment of a similar amount which in the case of exports to the EEC countries would be augmented by the amount of any import duty payable.
I am aware that the increased costs, particularly the rise in the cost of fuel oil resulting from the energy crisis, have caused problems for Irish horticultural producers. Representations made to me by the industry for financial aid to meet increased fuel costs are under active consideration.