asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the steps he intends to take to control gangrene in seed potatoes in view of the large amount of claims in respect of the 1974-75 crop.
Ceiseanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Seed Potato Disease.
19.
For some years past my Department have been testing and introducing new methods of control including the production and distribution of infection-free foundation seed, improvement of storage conditions and the chemical treatment of seed potatoes for which suitable machines are now commercially available. Officers of my Department are actively advising growers and merchants of these measures and encouraging their adoption.
I take it the Minister is fully aware of the serious situation obtaining at present? Is he satisfied that the right type of spray is being used in this country at present? My information is that we are not using the correct type of spray and that they have found a newer and better type of spray in other parts of Europe.
My information is that there is one type of spray that is extremely dangerous, that it is not being used for that reason and that we were using the next most effective but safe spray. If that is not correct and if the Deputy has additional information that would be helpful, I should be glad to hear from him.
Would the Minister like to say how it is dangerous, dangerous to——
Dangerous to human life.
When it is applied, before it is applied, or if it is left lying around?
Are the Minister and his Department not concerned at this increase in gangrene and the serious effect it could have especially on exports?
Is the Minister aware that it is one disease about which other countries importing the seed are very concerned?
I think we should not be shouting too loudly about this because we have the most disease-free seed that can be got in any part of the word. There is no question of taking this lightly. Every possible measure is being taken to overcome the difficulties that have been seen to be there and the necessary steps are being taken also to produce varieties immune to the disease.