asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that the retail price of potatoes in Dublin is now over twice as high as it was a year ago; and that this is a cause of great hardship to consumers particularly those in the lower income group; if he will state the reasons for this serious increase; and if he has any proposals to ensure that potatoes are sold at a considerably reduced price.

I am aware that the retail price of potatoes in Dublin is substantially higher than it was a year ago, when, however, glut conditions prevailed and prices were very low. The main reason for the increase in price is the reduced supplies available from growers owing to the lower acreage and average yield of the 1964 crop. I do not consider that there is at present any action which I could usefully take in the matter.