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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 21 Oct 1953

Vol. 142 No. 2

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Disposal of Tomatoes.

asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the difficulties of producers in disposing of tomatoes economically this season; and, if so, if he will make a statement on the matter.

Mr. Walsh

I am aware that the average market prices for tomatoes this season have been somewhat lower than last season. As, however, the importation of tomatoes has been prohibited from the 24th July, 1953, to 24th October, 1953, any difficulties which have been met by individual growers in the economic disposal of the crop have arisen from factors outside my control.

What are these factors?

Could the Minister kindly indicate what the factors are?

Mr. Walsh

The demand for tomatoes is the principal factor. There has been no importation of tomatoes since July.

I would suggest to the Minister that the position has been heretofore that the tomato growers—in the area I come from in Leinster, at any rate—were able to market their tomatoes freely, as they were not in competition with the Dublin market. Now, due to the fact thatvery many people are producing tomatoes in the West of Ireland, the Dublin market is flooding Wexford. In other words, the supply is exceeding the demand and it is not economic to grow tomatoes, as a result of the policy of the present Government.

And 100 more houses are going up in Cahirciveen.

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