asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that there is a great scarcity of potato fertiliser in the Tourmakeady and Louisburg areas in County Mayo; and that most of the land in these areas is reclaimed bog-land and cannot produce a crop without potato fertiliser; and if he will accordingly take immediate steps to ensure that an adequate supply of manure is made available for these areas.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Scarcity of Potato Fertiliser in County Mayo.
I am aware that farmers in the Tourmakeady and Louisburgh areas, in common with farmers in other parts of the country, would utilise much larger quantities of potato fertiliser than are at present available. The total quantity available was very limited and it has been apportioned as equitably as possible among the poorer districts to which distribution has been confined. A considerable proportion was allocated to County Mayo. As the full supplies have been distributed, it is not possible to increase the quantity for this year.