asked the Minister for Agriculture when the proposed importation of feed into the country as a result of EEC negotiations will commence; the quantity in the first shipment; the number of merchants who will qualify; the purchase price in IR£/tonne ex EEC; and the reason for the delay.
Ceisteanna—Question. Oral Answers. - Feed Imports.
1.
The first shipment is expected here on Wednesday next, 29 June and it will be of approximately 4,700 tonnes. The wheat will be offered for sale under a tendering procedure, which will be announced within the next few days. The minimum price is £158.20 per tonne exportal store in Ireland.
No delay has taken place in settling and implementing the transfer arrangements. We had to follow procedures laid down by the European Commission.
How many merchants have qualified for participation in the scheme?
The terms of the tendering are to be announced in the next few days but I believe the announcement will be made tomorrow as a result of the efforts that are being made to have the terms prepared by then but we will not know who the merchants are until the various individuals have applied.
(Limerick West): Would the Minister agree that at this stage the operation is rather late so far as livestock feeding is concerned?
It is late but not too late and if it had not been for our efforts the feed would not reach here for months. We have been pushing for the transfer to take place as speedily as possible.
Would the Minister be prepared to use his influence with the manufacturers to ensure that the price of feed will be reduced in line with the price of the imported grain?
I would not like to give the impression that this arrangement will result in a reduction in the cost of feedstuffs. The price is reasonable but it is not very low.
The Minister must be aware that people feeding livestock are under continuous pressure as a result of the high cost of feedstuff.
I am very much aware of that.