With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 31 together.
I have seen the statement referred to. I am not aware that, following the increase in the commercial cost of fuel oil, the glasshouse industry would find it practicable to switch to gas heating in the absence of supplies here of relatively cheap natural gas.
As against the extra cost of fuel oil to the horticultural industry, I would point out that in the case of the home market measures of protection from imports apply in the case of tomatoes and other glasshouse crops. Our exports of these are primarily to the United Kingdom where restrictions also apply to imports from countries other than Ireland. It was recently announced by the British authorities that special aid to offset the increased fuel cost would not be granted to UK producers.
I would also refer the Deputy to my reply to a question on this subject by Deputy Richie Ryan on 24th March.