asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that County Galway farmers are experiencing the greatest difficulty in finding a market for both their certified seed potatoes and ware potatoes, and if he will state what steps he proposes to take to remedy the position.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Marketing of Potatoes.
Mr. Walsh
I am aware that quantities of seed and ware potatoes are still on the hands of growers in County Galway. The bulk of the seed is Kerr's Pink which is a variety mainly grown for the home trade, and as sales for this trade will continue into April there is a reasonable chance that most of the surplus will be disposed of by then. As regards ware potatoes there is still a long period before the new crop will be available, and I expect that the marketable surplus will be absorbed in stock feed and in supplying the needs of the urban areas.