asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if his attention has been drawn to a recent report (copy supplied) regarding greenhouses in England; and if he will make a statement in connection with the new Common Market rule affecting greenhouses.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Glasshouse Industry.
29.
While I understand that certain proposals for dealing with current difficulties in the glasshouse industry are being considered by the EEC Commission, no specific details of these proposals have so far been published. I can assure the Deputy however that, if and when any such proposals are formally made, they will be carefully examined by my Department with a view to ensuring that the interests of Irish producers of glasshouse crops are fully safeguarded.
30.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will announce the aids he proposes to grant to the glasshouse industry for the coming year.
The present investment aids under the farm modernisation scheme for development, commercial and other farmers engaged in horticulture will apply during the coming year. Generally the category of commercial farmers would cover glasshouse industry producers.
Is the Minister aware that glasshouse producers who propagate their own plants are waiting to see how they will fare out next year and are wondering whether to get out of cucumbers and tomatoes altogether? Does the Minister not realise that it is necessary to have a decision by him now in regard to the grant available for the next six months in order to let them know where they stand? They are aware that they are placed in an awkward situation in comparison with glasshouse owners in other countries.
I do not think that the glasshouse producers in every other country know where they stand either. Glasshouse producers have been given 5p per gallon on oil prices for the last six months of the present year. I cannot say whether or not they are likely to get further State aid for the following six months.
Surely the Minister must realise that the whole future of the glasshouse industry and that of those people who grow tomatoes as a lucrative crop depends on a decision to be made by the Minister now as to whether or not the subsidy available to them for six months this year—a subsidy which does not compare favourably with that given in the 12-month period to the same people in England—is going to be available for the coming six months of 1975? Surely the Minister realises that they must know this now or otherwise their whole future will be in jeopardy?
The Deputy speaks of this as if it was a FEOGA subsidy. It is a national subsidy permitted in exceptional circumstances.
Therefore the whole decision in the matter is up to the Minister himself?
Yes, of course. All one needs is money. The Deputy is correct.
Is it the Minister's intention to continue this subsidy.
I say that they have got the subsidy up to the end of the year and I am not promising any further subsidies.
Is it the Minister's intention to continue it?
Question No. 31.
Is the Minister urging them to go out of the business?
Surely the Minister will agree that it is not fair to a person to let him propagate a plant and not have any hope from the Minister as to what will be the future of that plant or how the Minister is going to help him to produce it?
The Deputy has developed that point.
I do know that the glasshouse producers had a good year in 1974.
Question No. 31. I have given Deputy Power quite a lot of latitude.
This is not fair, a Cheann Comhairle. Even if the Minister said he was not going to give it, could the Minister not give them an answer now?
No.
They should be growing their plants between November and the present moment. Surely the Minister could give them an answer now?
No.
Question No. 31, please.
That decision must have been made already.
In view of the Minister's most unsatisfactory reply, I should like to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
I will communicate with the Deputy.