asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy why Ceimicí Teoranta plants have not opened to accept surplus potatoes.
13.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Surplus Potatoes.
12.
asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he will arrange for the reception of surplus ware potatoes at a fair price at Cooley factory, County Louth.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 13 together. As Deputy Bruton was informed in reply to his previous question on 25 October 1977, Ceimicí Teoranta had indicated to the relevant farmers' organisations that they were prepared to process potatoes at their Labbadish factory subject to specified price and supply terms being met. Though the factory was made ready to receive potatoes for processing none have been received. Ceimicí Teoranta are still prepared to process potatoes at this factory. However, because of developments in the starch market the price which could be paid for the potatoes now would have to be lower than in October last. Otherwise, the terms would be the same.
There are no facilities for processing potatoes at Ceimicí Teoranta's factory at Cooley, County Louth.
Can the Minister state whether Ceimicí Teoranta placed an advertisement in the paper in October last inviting farmers to negotiate with them and, if not, why?
Following a meeting on 4 October last with Ceimicí Teoranta the potato committee of the IFA were advised by the Department that Ceimicí had indicated that their Labbadish factory would be opened. I have not got the information as to whether the company placed an advertisement in the paper.
My information is that they did not advertise in the papers for submission from farmers.
I bow to the Deputy's knowledge of the situation. All I know is that the company met the potato committee of the IFA and I presume that, having regard to the strength and the organisation of the IFA, the information was passed along. I do not know why the company would not have placed an advertisement in the papers.
Naturally I would not wish to say anything that would be prejudicial to the IFA but the Minister will agree that there are many farmers who may not read the advertisements that appear in the IFA press or indeed in the papers and that in those circumstances it would be desirable to have direct negotiations between the farmers and the company. Would the Minister not agree that in relation to such matters the company should insert advertisements so that everybody, regardless of whether he belonged to any organisation, would have the opportunity of negotiating?
The door is not closed yet. The company are still prepared to process potatoes at the factory mentioned but I shall bring the Deputy's comments to their attention.
It is too late now. The time for that was October.