andMr. Begley asked the Minister for Agriculture if he has recently granted an import licence for onions; if so, why; and if he will give details.

There is no quantitative control on the importation of onions and an import licence is not, therefore, required. Under our plant health legislation, imported onions, in common with the general range of vegetables and plants, are required to be free of diseases and pests. A licence is necessary from my Department for this purpose but only to ensure that the produce is free of diseases and pests and not to control the level of imports. The extent of imports is a matter for the trade interests involved.

Has the Minister granted any permit in the recent past in exercise of the discretion he has in relation to the incidence of disease and pests in onions?

My brief does not contain any reference to that and I am not aware personally of what is the position. However, it is possible in the case of third-country importations of onions to make representations to the Commission for the alleviation of a domestic market problem. If such a problem arises we will make representations to the Commission on those grounds.

Is the Minister aware of the serious concern of onion growers who allege that Polish onions are being imported and that this situation will depress the market for Irish onions?

If, as Deputy Begley suggests, third-country imports are having a serious effect on the home market, I would consider making representations to the Commission for the benefit of domestic onion growers.

Is the Minister saying that the Department did not carry out any investigation into the quantities of Irish onions available before issuing these licences?

I am not saying that.

Is the Minister saying, then, that they have left the case stand as it is and are not concerned with the question of the importation of onions although this situation will result in Irish onions fetching very poor prices?

The Deputy is assuming that the Department have no obvious interest in this matter. That is not the case.