asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware of the drop in the purchase of fertilisers by farmers; and the steps he is taking to rectify the situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fertiliser Purchases.
27.
Since the start of the energy crisis there has been a fall in fertiliser usage due mainly to rising fertiliser prices. The improved prices for the main farm products have, however, offset some of the increased cost.
With a view to stimulating the usage of fertilisers I have brought together a committee representing all the interests concerned to advise on promotional work in this sector. I, myself, have emphasised on several occasions that it is false economy to curtail the necessary level of fertiliser application to grass and crops and that even at present high prices it pays to apply the optimum levels of fertiliser.
I told the Minister last spring that fertilisers would not be applied because money was not provided for them. I appealed for a small subsidy per ton to be given. Would the Minister not now agree that it would be money well spent because of the way in which the use of fertilisers has gone down during the last 12 months? It was lack of confidence at that period which caused it.
We are the only country left in Europe giving any subsidy on fertilisers. The same drop has occurred all over Europe as a result. That has been the reaction of higher prices but it is a bad one that should not have taken place. The farmers are only damaging themselves.
Would the Minister not agree that something drastic should have been done at that time to prevent this type of reaction which has been detrimental to the country?
No. Farmers should be able to examine the situation for themselves.
The farmers are intelligent enough if they are given any help. They should have been given some subsidy.
I will argue the money end with the Deputy some time perhaps when we are talking about this because I can give him a few figures that might excite him.