asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the shortage of past harvest owing to blight and weather conditions, he will make supplies of good seed potatoes and seed wheat available to labourers, cottiers and small holders, free or at nominal charge for coming season.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supplies of Seed Potatoes and Wheat to Labourers.
I have carefully considered this suggestion, but I am satisfied that the existing facilities for obtaining supplies of seed are sufficient.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, in connection with this matter of seed potatoes, is he not aware that the seed potatoes produced in the northern counties, such as Donegal, are better than those produced in more southerly counties? I can tell the Minister that that has been my experience.
The Deputy is entitled to ask a question; not make a speech.
Yes, Sir, I understand, but I suggest that if seed potatoes produced in the northern counties, such as Donegal, which give the highest yield, were to be brought south, there might be a higher production of potatoes in the southern counties.
Quite an amount of seed potatoes is produced in Donegal.
Yes, and the farther north you go, the better.