asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware of the complete collapse of the wool market; and if he is prepared to implement schemes to improve the position.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wool Prices.
7.
Reports received by my Department indicate that during the main buying season in July and August this year prices for wool were comparable with those of last year but prices declined towards the end of the season as a result of a general weakening on the world market.
As I indicated in reply to a question by Deputy Donnellan on 17th November I am arranging for the introduction of legislation with a view to improving the marketing arrangements for wool.
Is the Minister aware that the small farmers of the West, and especially those in counties like Kerry, lost at least 1/6 per lb. on their lambs? When they had their wool ready to sell, the market had completely collapsed. The market was good earlier, but later on it collapsed.
That is not correct.
I do not mind what the Minister thinks. It is what the people think that matters.
I think the small farmers in the west of Ireland are getting fed up with being made a political football by the Fine Gael Party.
The Fianna Fáil Party made a political football of them for years. The Minister himself said he came from a long line of small farmers.