asked the Minister for Agriculture the extent to which sowings of crops are behind in the present year compared with normal years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Crop Sowings.
6.
With the exception of early potatoes crop sewings were delayed on average by about three weeks this year due to adverse weather and soil conditions. Early potatoes were planted at the normal time but were slow to develop. All crops are now progressing well.
(Limerick West): Does the Minister agree that the situation calls for a little more action than the Government are taking at present? Has the Minister any plans or strategy to deal with the problem if it becomes worse?
In what way?
(Limerick West): We do not know what the rest of the summer will be like and I want to know if the Minister and his Department have any plans to remedy problems if the worst comes to the worst?
I should hate to be as gloomy as the Deputy. I hope that we will never again have weather like last year——
(Limerick West): I am not being gloomy; I am being realistic. The Minister of State is looking for sunshine to solve all his problems.
To my knowledge, all tillage crops are doing quite well at present. Winter wheat and barley and sugar beet are a bit late but the crop looks good. Early potato crops have quite a good yield, main crop potatoes look reasonably good, green pea crops are progressing favourably although there has been some hail damage.
Do not go as far as peaches.
Does the Minister agree that there is reason for concern in this area? While crops may be growing well, does he agree that £95 per tonne for barley represents a reduction of about £25 per tonne since 1983? These crops are grown in debt and the Minister is doing nothing about it.
I do not accept that crops are grown and sold at a deficit.
(Interruptions.)