asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of an article in the November 1984 issue of Industry and Commence magazine which examines the Dutch approach to exports, particularly horticultural and agricultural produce; and, if so, if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dutch Agricultural Products Promotion.
23.
I have seen the article referred to. I think that Irish exporters have a lot to learn from the Dutch experience, particularly in relation to product development, organisation of marketing effort, continuity of supply, consistency in quality and sensitivity to changes in consumer habits. It is noteworthy that in the Netherlands funds for the promotion of agricultural products are provided by the industry itself rather than by the State. Indeed the range of State supports available as described in the article would appear to be somewhat less extensive than what is available to Irish exporters.
Would the Minister for Foreign Affairs consider the provision of agricultural and economic attaches in our embassies to promote the sale of our produce?
I have not got the actual details but in quite a number of embassies we have agricultural attaches. I am glad to say they are doing an excellent job.
Would the Minister agree that it is time to utilise them better than they are being utilised at the moment and get them involved in looking for markets for our produce.
They can always do better but I consider they are doing OK.
Would the Minister of State accept that it is simple for the Dutch to export horticultural produce and especially tomatoes when they are benefiting from subsidised natural gas and dumping their produce on the Irish market to the detriment of the Irish producer?
Natural gas benefits have long been taken care of. We have now got agreement from Brussels to help our glasshouse producers by converting from oil to solid fuel. As a result we are now highly competitive vis-á-vis the Dutch.
Is the Minister suggesting that the Dutch are not dumping their horticultural produce on this market and that the Irish producer is getting a fair shake up?
I have been informed by constituents of the Deputy that, as a result of the grant aid provided by us, they are doing extraordinarily well.
The Minister will be informed on 20 June.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.