asked the Minister for Agriculture the steps he proposes to take in relation to potatoes imported from outside EEC member states in order to protect Irish growers.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Potato Imports.
20.
I am considering possible steps to protect Irish potato growers against imports from third countries in the coming season and my Department have been discussing the matter with the EEC Commission. I hope to reach final conclusions at an early date.
Will the Minister tell the House what steps he is considering in this matter and when an announcement will be made? The Minister must know that potatoes will be sown this month.
I have told the Deputy that this matter is being discussed urgently with the EEC Commission and I hope to be in a position to make a statement in the very near future.
The phrase "the near future" is often used in this House. When will the announcement be made? The people in Wexford are almost ready to sow potatoes and they want to know the facts.
It will be at an early date.
Will it be before 1 March.
I only wish it was tomorrow.
I want to know if it will be before 1 March. If the Minister does not know he should say so and I will tell the farmers in Wexford.
I said I only wished it could be tomorrow. I am treating this matter very urgently.
We cannot have a debate on this matter. I am calling Deputy Tully.
We want an answer but the Minister has refused to give one.
I am not responsible for answers given by Ministers.
I am sure the Leader of Fine Gael has been in negotiations with the EEC on many occasions.
I am calling Deputy Tully.
I object to being treated in this way by the Minister. Many people have lost money——
I must apologise to the Deputy if he feels he has been ill-treated. I said I hope to be in a position to give a decision at an early date.
I want to know if it will be before 1 March.
I have called Deputy Tully I am not responsible for the answers given to questions.
I accept that but it is my view that the House is being treated with contempt.
On the contrary. I have told the Deputy that I hope to give a decision at an early date.
Will the Minister tell the House whether he considers that selling potatoes from Cyprus or Israel in bags marked by the Agricultural Institute is helping Irish potato producers to sell their product?
If that was the case I would not think so.
Will the Minister check and see if it is happening?
I will do that.