asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that many poultry keepers are selling off their laying hens due to the high price of feeding stuffs and the uneconomic price available for eggs and if he will state what steps he is taking to procure a reasonable price for eggs having regard to the costs of production.

asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction that exists amongst farmers because of the present price paid for eggs and if he will state whether there is a possibility of having this price increased immediately.

I propose, a Chinn Chomhairle, with your permission, to take Questions Nos. 14 and 15 together.

I would refer the Deputies to my statement on this matter made recently and reported in the public Press on the 9th February. At present I have nothing to add to what I then said.