asked the Minister for Agriculture the plans he has to encourage the growing of onions in view of the considerable volume of imports coming into the country.

Capital investment in onion production and marketing is eligible for grant aid under the farm improvement programme. Grants are also available under the EC scheme for the marketing and processing of agricultural products.

New growing techniques developed by An Foras Talúntais could significantly improve the prospects for onion production under our climatic conditions. In addition, ACOT are giving special attention to encouraging the expansion of onion growing based on the latest growing technology and the provision of suitable facilities for the storage, handling, grading and presentation of the crop.

Would the Minister of State agree that this might be an appropriate time for the Minister for Agriculture to launch a campaign encouraging farmers to look at the possibility of growing onions, bearing in mind that many farm enterprises have reached saturation point?

I am prepared to do everything I can. In co-operation with the new horticultural group, we are doing a lot in this area but the Deputy must be aware that onion growing is very difficult and we have very big problems because of the climate. However, thanks to new technology from an An Foras Talúntais, involving the over-wintering and transplanting of onion plants, prospects will improve. We need better facilities for curing, handling and storage of that crop. In conjunction with the horticultural co-operative we have agreed that in specific areas a limited acreage will be grown and the product carefully monitored.

Will the Minister look at the areas where there are climatic advantages for onion growing and initiate a proper pilot scheme to encourage farmers there to grow onions?

That is what we are doing.