asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the output of the artificial fertiliser factories is much lower this year than the previous year, and that a number of workers are laid off, and others are under notice; and, if so, if he will state the reason given by the manufacturers for the reduced output.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Output of Fertilisers.
Some days ago I received a letter from the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union concerning the employment of workers in the fertiliser manufacturing industry, and I have been examining the position.
The manufacturers state that their sales are slow, compared with other years, and that their storage problem has become acute.
This situation is attributable partly to higher prices this season for fertilisers due to higher costs of imported materials, partly to the lateness of the grain season this year which has delayed the clearance of grain from merchants' stores in which they would normally be now laying in stocks of fertilisers, and partly to a substantial carry-forward of fertiliser supplies from last year, particularly by Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann.
The Irish Transport and General Workers' Union has suggested a conference with all the interested parties to consider all aspects of the matter and this is being arranged.
Will the Minister undertake that in any investigation that is carried out there will be careful inquiry into the handling of fertilisers, with a special reference to the price charged to the farmers and the price of the imported raw material?
Certainly. If there should be any suggestion that the situation could be eased following an examination of these aspects of the matter, I will be very pleased indeed.
The price is too high.