asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware of the concern of grass seed producers regarding the future prospects of the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Grass Seed Producers.
9.
A surplus of ryegrass seed in the international market, which has caused prices to fall, has presented difficulties for the Irish grass seed industry and I have taken steps already to prohibit the marketing here of certain classes of ryegrass seed of non-EEC origin.
The position is being kept under review by my Department in consultation with the growers and the seed trade.
Is the Minister satisfied that those steps will be sufficient to ensure the continuance of the grass seed industry?
I have taken all the steps that it was possible for me to take. If it had not been for our strong opposition in relation to the recent price discussions, there would be a serious drop in price next year. We got away with this only on the grounds that it takes two years to produce a crop of seed and that, consequently, the people in the industry require notice of changes. There is an over-supply situation throughout the world.
Has the Minister taken any steps to ensure that in the event of there being a drop in price this year, the growers will be recompensed?
I have taken any steps that are open to me.
Can the Minister give a guarantee that these people will not be at a loss?
I cannot give any such guarantee.
Is the Minister aware that these people continued in production two or three years ago when there was a grave shortage of seed but that if they should lose confidence in the industry now, there could be serious repercussions for the country?
I am sure the Deputy is aware that once we joined the EEC we could no longer restrict imports. Quantitative restrictions had to go.
Is the Minister satisfied with the quality of the seed being imported, both for purity and germination?
We have prohibited seeds which are not up to the quality standard. We are anxious to hold this as long as we can and as well as we can.