asked the Minister for Agriculture the tonnage of grass-seed imported in 1982; and the tonnage home produced in 1983.

An amount of 5,220 tonnes grass seed was imported in 1982. 1983 production is expected to be about 780 tonnes.

Has the Minister any proposals to make sure that we become self-sufficient in this respect?

No, I am afraid there was a degree of self-sufficiency until we had competition from fellow-members of the EEC. Again unfortunately, imports have taken over the bulk of the trade. A considerable quantity of grass seed was grown in the Cavan-Monaghan area but they have been unable to compete with foreign imports. It is a matter I will look at because we are producing only about 10 to 15 per cent of our requirements.