Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

It is interesting that the development of the crop has tended to be centred around the locations where those companies as described by Deputy Sherlock operate. Naturally, there is some reluctance on the part of farmers who are not familiar with the growth of these crops and there are some concerns in that area, although very good quality research has been carried out in Oakpark since 1993. In some instances, farmers have run into difficulty because these are new crops. Pest control and all kinds of issues arise but support has been made available to them. In general terms, the Government would be very supportive of this scheme and will be taking whatever measures are necessary or available to try to ensure that farmers, for whom it is a viable crop, have the opportunity to begin growing it.

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