asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if, in view of the fact that bloodstock owners who are not freely permitted to import feeding oats are obliged to use native oats for feeding horses, a referee will be appointed by his Department or by An Bord Gráin to adjudicate on native samples alleged to be unsuitable for feeding purposes; and if he will take suitable action on this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Quality of Native Oats.
5.
Licences to import oats for bloodstock or for milling are granted only when suitable native oats have been taken up. I am not satisfied that the Deputy's proposal would serve any useful purpose.
Has the Minister ever got complaints that the oats are not suitable?
Which oats?
Feeding oats for livestock, the native oats.
Has the Minister had complaints that Irish oats are not suitable for feeding at this time of the year?
I have had, but not in the context put into my mouth by Deputy Dillon or Deputy Flanagan.
Is it because the imported oats are cheaper? That is the main question.
No.
Hear, hear.
That is not the only reason. All I will say to the House is that I hope the Opposition and those who support them will be as favourable to my view about this matter as I would like them to be when the appropriate time comes.
We do not know the Minister's view.
You will.
There is a feeling among farmers that their oats are being turned down for reasons other than their quality.
Deputy Clinton is not as innocent as the other Deputies. He is talking with his tongue in his cheek when he says that. Irish oats for bloodstock and feeding stock will be used in this country to a greater extent in the future than in the past but there are certain things which must be done about it before you can say to the people: "This you must have".