asked the Minister for Agriculture the action he proposes to take to prevent subsidised potatoes from Northern Ireland coming on to the Republic's market.
355.
Written Answers. - Potato Imports.
354.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that a potato subsidy has been announced by the Northern Ireland authorities and that dyed potatoes could find their way into the Republic and cause serious loss to an already depressed market; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 354 and 355 together. Northern Ireland has a scheme under which potatoes may be withdrawn from the market and dyed in order to render them suitable only for stock feed. Under EC rules potatoes from Northern Ireland have access to our market only if they are accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate. Officials of Customs and Excise and of my Department will, of course, be vigilant with regard to possible illegal imports.