den Aire Talmhaíochta an Feasach dó go raibh droch-shéasúr fataí in Árainn anuraidh d'fhág talmhaithe gearr ó thaobh síl; nach leor an dá chéad fataí síolta an talmhaí atá fógraithe; agus an bhféachfaidh sé le tuilleadh fataí síolta a sholáthar ar na téarmaí céanna.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Soláthar Fataí Síolta.
D'fhiafraigh
As in other parts of the country, the returns from the potato crop last year in Aran were below average, but I am advised that the yield, together with the substantially increased quantity of seed potatoes allocated there under my Department's seed distribution scheme, should provide adequate seed for the coming season. The object of this scheme is to provide a change of seed and thereby to keep the potato crop healthy. I am satisfied that two cwt. of new seed for each eligible smallholder are sufficient for this purpose.
In view of the widespread representations in respect of this matter both in Aran and on the mainland of Connemara, would the Minister make fresh inquiries to confirm, or otherwise, the truth of the reports he has received because Deputies and other public representatives in the area are being informed quite to the contrary?
It is proposed to provide two cwt. of seed potatoes for every living creature on the Aran Islands. This scheme is designed to provide those who want it——
Would the Minister repeat what he has just said? Did I understand him to say that two cwt. of seed potatoes would be allocated in respect of each individual of the population?
Surely you do not expect me to provide seed potatoes for the child in the cradle? Two cwt. are being supplied to every individual landholder on the Aran Islands——
You said "living creature".
You are getting very pedantic in the Fianna Fáil Party in your old age. This is meant to provide a change of seed. They already have their own seed potatoes from their own stock and this would be supplementary to it. I feel the Deputy cannot but know that we inquired into these conditions—particularly in places like the Aran Islands and Connemara —with scrupulous care. I am quite convinced that the provision made here is adequate and sufficient for the purpose of the scheme. While I am reluctant to say to the Deputy, when he asks me to make further and better inquiries, that I will not do so, the only reason I am obliged to say that is because I have made the most careful inquiries. The best advice I can get is that the provision of two cwt. of potatoes for every farmer on the islands is a fair and adequate provision for the purpose of the scheme.
Am I to understand that the Minister has been informed that the quantities of native seed are as great this year as formerly and that, on the basis of that information, he has again fixed the amount at two cwt.? Will he accept from the public representatives of the area the statement made widespread in the whole West Galway constituency that these were not nearly as great as in former years?
I am making better and larger provision this year than last year. I am doing that in the light of the fact that in common with every other part of the country, the yield in potatoes last year was lower than is customary owing to the excessively dry wheather. I can assure the Deputy that, in our considered judgement, this provision should be ample. However, if there comes to the Deputy's personal attention some case of personal hardship, and he indicates the circumstances to me, I feel sure we would be able to do something to meet such a case. I think he should rest assured that the general provision which has been made is ample. However, as I say, if an individual case of hardship is brought to my attention I will look into it and take any steps that may be necessary to remedy the particular case.