asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, having regard to the partial failure of the potato crop, he will grant an increase in the flour ration to facilitate farmers who are at present engaged in completing the harvest and in drawing turf a distance of over 20 miles in many cases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Flour Ration Increase.
Under the existing regulations, additional allowances of flour and bread are obtainable by agricultural workers who live more than two miles from their place of employment and who find it necessary to take bread meals to work.
I cannot see my way, however, to recommend any general increase in the rations allowed to farmers. The existing basic ration is generous, and during the height of the harvest, that is, during the nine weeks' period beginning 12th August and ending 13th October, the ration allowed to agricultural workers was higher by one-third than the basic ration.
Is the Taoiseach aware that in certain areas, particularly in West Clare, where people have to travel as far as 20 miles to bring home their turf the facilities provided are inadequate as these people have to bring a meal with them? Will the Taoiseach have that matter investigated as these people have a real grievance?
If the Deputy will furnish the Department of Industry and Commerce with the necessary particulars of the cases to which he is referring they will be examined.