asked the Minister for Agriculture if he has received representations from the Bere Island (County Cork) Parish Council to the effect that there has been an extensive failure of the potato crop in the island; that a house to house census carried out revealed that 23 tons of seed potatoes would be required to plant next year's crop; that local merchants have stated that they will not be able to meet such requirements; and if he will take steps to meet the local requirements for seed potatoes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Seed Potato Supply in County Cork.
A communication has been received from Bere Island Parish Council in the sense indicated in the question. Under the seed distribution scheme increased supplies of seed potatoes are being distributed this season to the Castletownbere area (which includes Bere Island). The Department's local officer is also being instructed to get into touch with the parish council in order to discuss with them and advise as to the steps that should be taken to obtain adequate supplies of seed potatoes for farmers on the island.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he has investigated complaints of a partial failure of the potato crop in many districts in West Cork this year owing to early blighting of the crop; that potato prices (retail) are high in West Cork towns while supplies are not plentiful; and if he will take early steps in the matter of supplies and seed requirements for next year.
The reports received from the congested districts of West Cork indicate that, while the potato crop in many districts is not up to that of last year, no cases of actual failure have come to notice. I am aware that supplies of potatoes in West Cork towns are not plentiful and that prices are rather high. The question of the feasibility of measures to relieve possible shortages will be considered. In connection with the Department's seed distribution scheme (under which seed for foundation purposes is sold at reduced prices to smallholders in the congested districts), special consideration is being given this year to those districts in West Cork where the yields of the potato crop were lowest. A subcommittee of the Cork County Committee of Agriculture has also been set up for the purpose of considering the best means of procuring good seeds of potatoes and corn for the coming season.