asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the action he proposes to take to increase the production of vegetables and fruit.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Fruit and Vegetable Production.
8.
The fruit and vegetable industry is being helped by investment aids under the farm modernisation scheme and duties and levies on imports, as well as by technical guidance from the local horticultural advisory service, my Department and An Foras Talúntais.
In reply to an earlier question the Parliamentary Secretary told us that we import £30 million worth of fruit and vegetables. Taking into consideration the nature of our soil and climate would the Minister not agree that most of our requirements of those commodities could be grown here?
We do not grow oranges.
I agree but it is a matter for the people concerned to decide whether it would pay them to engage in this sort of production.
Have the Government any plans that would induce people to grow fruit and vegetables on a larger scale than at present?
Had the previous Government any such plans?
I have given the Deputy a list of the aids provided by the Department. These are the only aids that are possible in accordance with EEC rules.
Question No. 9.
In view of the almost complete collapse of the livestock industry last year, would this not be the appropriate time to encourage farmers to become interested in growing fruit and vegetables to meet our requirements?
As I have told the Deputy, these people have available to them all the aids and advice that we are permitted to give them. It is for them to make the decision as to whether this is an activity they should engage in.
Question No. 9.
Is this not the time——
Deputy Leonard——
——to induce people——
The Chair is addressing you, Deputy. I have called the next question.