asked the Minister for Agriculture if the amount of hops grown in this country is sufficient to meet the needs of the brewing industry; and, if not, the steps being taken to eliminate the need for imports.

Hop production in this country is limited and represents only about 5 per cent of the amount used by the brewing industry.

Hop growing is a specialised and capital intensive form of enterprise. The world market for hops is extremely competitive with a tendency to oversupply and under EEC rules hops may be freely imported into the Community. In these circumstances and even though the farm investments are eligible for aid under the Farm Modernisation Scheme and a production aid is provided by the EEC, the crop has not attracted general interest among Irish growers.

Would the Minister agree that 5 per cent is an exceptionally small percentage, particularly when experts tell me that our climate is perfect for the cultivation of hops? Is the Minister sure that there is no reason other than the oversupply situation? Is there a closed shop regarding the growing of hops? Would he take up the matter with the breweries which utilise this crop?

I will certainly do that and will be in touch with the Deputy about the matter.