asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries what action the Government intend to take to increase the acreage of oats sown and save buying from abroad.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Oats Acreage.
82.
Imports of oats represent only 5 per cent to 10 per cent of total production. An increase in acreage of this order would not necessarily eliminate imports which are based, largely, on special requirements. Every effort is being made to encourage growers to meet the requirements of the purchasers by the proper handling of their oats.
In view of the fact that the acreage of oats has dropped by 249,000 in the past ten years, can the Minister tell us if he has any plans to increase oats production, or are Fianna Fáil now neglecting the tillage farmer they shouted so much about in the past?
Feeding barley has gone up.
It has not.