asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state whether an import duty is charged on apple pomace and also whether his Department issues import licences in respect of this material.

The answer to the first part of the question is "Yes". The importation of apple pomace is prohibited save under licence issued by my Department. No such licences have been issued since 1950.

Is the Minister aware that it must be directly imported under a licence from Grain Importers, Limited? At least that is the information submitted some time back. Is that right?

No. I issue the licences.

I am glad the Minister is taking the responsibility, anyway.