asked the Minister for Agriculture the estimated cost of fertilisers used to grow (i) barley; (ii) wheat; (iii) grassland; (iv) other cereals; (v) potatoes; (vi) vegetables; and (vii) other root crops during 1983.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fertiliser Costs.
11.
Estimated cost of fertilisers used in 1983 in respect of the following crops were: (i) Barley, £21 million; (ii) Wheat, £7 million; (iii) Grasslands, £163 million; (iv) Other Cereals, £1½ million; (v) Potatoes, £6½ million; (vi) Vegetables, £1 million; (vii) Other Root Crops, £21 million.
(Limerick West): Would the Minister have the relevant figure for 1982 particularly with regard to grasslands?
I am sorry, I do not have that.
Would the Minister agree that the figures he has quoted for fertilser usage, particularly with regard to vegetables is indicative of the present position? Furthermore would he agree that the high cost of fertilisers constitutes a major burden on and problem for farmers? Even within the next price negotiations in Europe would the Minister consider making some type of grant or subsidy scheme available to our farmers to offset the escalating costs of fertilisers.
We are always pursuing additional schemes. As the Deputy is aware, to date we have had the benefit of the ground limestone subsidy. We are hoping for its continuation this year; we have made provision therefore in the budget. As the House is aware this is not the best year to be looking for new schemes within the EEC — I might as well say that quite plainly — because all they are seeking is ways of cutting back. But, if there is any scope for the introduction of additional schemes, the House can be sure I will avail of it.
Would the Minister have the information I require in relation to the amount of fertiliser imported?
That is a separate question altogether.
Perhaps the Minister could provide me with that information.