andMr. Creed asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy, if he is aware of the serious deterioration in the supplies of diesel available for agricultural contractors resulting in silage harvesting coming to a halt in some areas and if he will take immediate steps to ensure the availability of such supplies.
Private Notice Question. - Oil Supplies.
I am satisfied that agricultural contractors are adequately catered for under the existing schedule of priorities. There may be isolated individual contractors who are not receiving their full requirements but their cutback is not more severe than other priority sectors. There are, of course, slight variations as between the customers of different oil companies.
From the few complaints received and investigated by my Department over the last few months I am satisfied that there has not been a serious deterioration in supplies to agricultural contractors. There may be a tendency on the part of some contractors to seek additional supplies before it is absolutely necessary. Efforts at such unjustified purchasing would not be helpful to the overall situation.
Would the Minister accept that it is important to the economy to ensure that there is a continuity of supplies for agricultural contractors, otherwise this will have a grave effect on the economy, particularly in the agricultural sector? Will the Minister make arrangements to ensure that supplies will continue to be made available?
The Minister has done this. What the Deputy is talking about is obviously an isolated case.
There are a number of cases.
Both Deputies lodged their complaints this morning in the Department of Industry, Commerce and Energy.
There are other cases.
What the Minister of State said about this complaint being lodged this morning it true but I lodged a number of complaints before today also. Did the Minister say the Department had received a few complaints about the scarcity of fuel to farmers and agricultural contractors? What will be the situation in relation to the harvesting of grain? If the Minister could make a firm statement that would allay the fears of the people concerned, it would be very welcome.
The reply to the Deputy's first supplementary is yes.
There were only a few complaints?
From the few complaints received and investigated by the Department over the last few months, I am satisfied there has not been a serious deterioration in supplies to agricultural contractors. In the second question the Deputy is seeking an assurance that when it comes to harvesting there will be adequate supplies. There is no question of an over-supply, but if there is a non-panic approach, supplies should be sufficient to meet requirements. As I said in my reply, there is a tendency on the part of some contractors to seek additional supplies before it is absolutely necessary. If there is a rational approach my understanding is that there will be sufficient supplies to meet requirements.
Is the Minister aware that a number of agricultural contractors are cutting silage on the basis that farmers supply the diesel? I can give names. I am amazed there have only been a few complaints.
The Deputy may not discuss every aspect of the supply of diesel to agriculture.
Is the Minister aware that some agricultural contractors in Donegal have not received supplies since February and are paying exorbitant prices in Northern Ireland to bring it across the Border?
I am not so aware. If the Deputy gives the Department a list of the people who failed to get supplies since February, I have no doubt the Minister will be very anxious to hear.
I will do that. It is about time the Minister admitted——
(Interruptions).
I am surprised the Deputy remained silent about these people for five months.
That is not a fact. Silent for five months?
Order. We are having an argument.
The Minister is entering the funnies now. Be serious for a mome, and admit there is a crisis.
Order, please.
I did not say there was not a crisis.
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the alleged purchase and proposed take-over of the Killybegs yard without negotiation, with no guarantees of workers' rights, and a complete negation of all the promises made by the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry in the House on several occasions.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the subject matter of question No. 22.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the safety of and inspection by Irish personnel of the nuclear power station in North Wales.
I will communicate with the Deputy.