asked the Minister for Agriculture his proposals to ensure that Irish strawberries are used in the manufacture of yogurt.

Strawberries for use in yogurt manufacture have to be of a specific type, dimension and preparation. An Foras Talúntais have been working on breeding suitable strawberries with promising results. I would hope that the commercial interests on the grower and processing sides will progress the position further utilising An Foras Talúntais research developments.

Is the Minister aware that there is much scope for the production of strawberries in this country particularly in Wexford? Will he ensure that An Foras Talúntais will do their utmost to ensure that we do not have to import strawberries from France?

The Irish strawberry industry provides about 4,000 tonnes per year. The bulk of these are sold to processing firms in Ireland and England and some are sold fresh for consumption. Imagine all the people in Wimbledon on a lovely sunny day such as today eating strawberries and cream.

From Ireland, preferably Wexford.

Strawberries used in the manufacture of yogurt must be of a definite type. They must be small, firm and highly coloured. Strawberries produced here have not conformed to these standards. An Foras Talúntais are producing something along these lines and initial tests have shown that it appears likely we can produce the quality required.

Would the Minister not agree that if they can be grown in France they can be grown here?

Of course.

Will the Minister ensure that An Foras Talúntais are given every encouragement to produce such a crop of strawberries here?

They are getting every encouragement.