asked the Minister for Agriculture the nature and implication for Ireland of the new market organisations for dried fodder, peas and field beans which have recently been adopted; and if he will give details of the consultations he has had with the appropriate Irish interests prior to giving his agreement to these proposals.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Fodder, Pea and Bean Marketing .
20.
: The new market organisations for dried fodder and peas and field beans are designed to encourage the production of protein within the Community. The new system entails the fixing annually by the Council of Ministers of prices for the products concerned and the making of payments to manufacturers.
The only Irish product affected by the arrangements is grassmeal. The aid available to Irish grassmeal manufacturers will be variable. When the new system comes into operation on 1 July 1978 this aid is expected to be higher than the current level.
My Department obtained the views of the manufacturers early in 1977 when the Community review of the existing system commenced.
: Are peas and beans not involved here?
: Not, as far as I know, a very considerable crop. I cannot tell the Deputy the extent of the acreage of field beans or peas within the country. I am aware of their potential as a fodder crop but the existing situation is that they cannot be——
: This is concerned only with fodder?
: Yes, it is only concerned with fodder.