asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the crisis in the Irish horticultural industry; his proposals to aid this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers . - Horticultural Industry .
349.
: In common with some other sectors horticultural producers are under pressure from rising production costs and competition from imports. However, there is room for greater efficiency and co-ordination in the production and marketing of horticultural crops. In this connection aid is available from my Department towards the formation and operating expenses of producer groups in the horticultural sector and I am also considering what might be done to assist market co-ordination for glasshouse products. In addition the horticultural industry has been exempted from the increase in the standard rate of excise duty on fuel oil which was made in the budget.