asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of reports that imported Dutch potatoes are being sold as Irish; that they are of inferior quality, damaging the good name of Irish potatoes; the tonnage imported from Holland since 1 January 1986; the tonnage sold as Irish; if he was satisfied with the quality of these potatoes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Imports of Dutch Potatoes.
165.
On receipt of a complaint in February that Dutch potatoes were being sold as Golden Wonders an officer from my Department visited a premises in County Kildare. At the time of the visit Dutch potatoes on sale were correctly described. Department staff were instructed to be on the alert for incorrect descriptions but only one case has been detected. So far this year approximately 7,400 tonnes of Dutch potatoes have been imported. While the eating quality of Dutch potatoes does not match that of the high drymatter Irish varieties generally preferred by Irish consumers, the standard of tuber quality and compliance with the statutory grading standards by the Dutch potatoes are generally good.