asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that farmers in Donegal have large stocks of potatoes undisposed of, and are finding it difficult to obtain a sale for them; and, if so, what steps, if any, he proposes to take to assist them in disposing of the stocks of potatoes on their hands.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Market for Potatoes.
I am aware that there is still a surplus of potatoes in County Donegal, and action was taken months ago to relieve the position which was then foreseen. There has been a steady movement of potatoes from the farms all through the season, and 10,000 tons more have been disposed of from County Donegal this year than at the corresponding date last year. With the various means of disposal which are in operation, the likelihood is that the surplus will have disappeared much earlier than last year.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary satisfied that it will be possible to dispose of the surplus this year?
Yes.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say if it is a fact that the alcohol factories in Donegal are remaining open this year in order to absorb any surplus there may be?
The alcohol factories are in fact taking some potatoes and it is intended to send some of the potatoes to alcohol factories outside the county as well. In addition, there are four silage plants which are absorbing some of the crop.
Deputy Cunningham's supplementary question was whether it was intended to keep the alcohol factories open later this year in order to dispose of the surplus?
I do not know about keeping the factories open, but the fact is that the alcohol factories are being supplied with these potatoes.
It is a technical question which should not be asked without notice.