Dáil Éireann - Volume 236 - 31 October, 1968

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Agricultural Council.

Mr. O.J. Flanagan Mr. O.J. Flanagan

1878

28. Mr. O.J. Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries what is the present position in relation [1878] to the National Agricultural Council; when it is proposed that the council will next meet; and if he has any plans in mind for the setting up a new council.

Mr. Blaney Mr. Blaney

Mr. Blaney: The term of office of the members of the National Agricultural Council runs until April 1969. As regards the latter part of the Deputy's question, I have on several occasions made it clear that, not only is the membership of the council open to all the organisations invited to join it, but that I am quite prepared to make changes in the form and constitution of the council provided these are generally acceptable and are agreed between the major interests involved.

Mr. L'Estrange Mr. L'Estrange

Mr. L'Estrange: The Minister only agreed to that since the beet-growers election.

Mr. Blaney Mr. Blaney

Mr. Blaney: Do not be codding yourself. Read the records.

Mr. Donegan Mr. Donegan

Mr. Donegan: It is the Minister's council.

Mr. Blaney Mr. Blaney

Mr. Blaney: Why do they not form one themselves? I have asked them to do just that.

Mr. Donegan Mr. Donegan

Mr. Donegan: The farmers do not want the Minister there. They want him out of the seat he is sitting in.

(Interruptions.)

Mr. P. Belton Mr. P. Belton

Mr. P. Belton: They will get their wish.

(Interruptions.)

Mr. Blaney Mr. Blaney

Mr. Blaney: Why does the Deputy not put down some questions about the things he was talking about last week?

Mr. L'Estrange Mr. L'Estrange

Mr. L'Estrange: The NAC is a blot and the Minister knows it.

Mr. Blaney Mr. Blaney

Mr. Blaney: Everybody agrees that the council is a good thing.

Mr. L'Estrange Mr. L'Estrange

Mr. L'Estrange: There are two of you left and nobody else.

Mr. Blaney Mr. Blaney

Mr. Blaney: The Deputy should ask his Front Bench what they think.

(Interruptions.)

Mr. Blaney Mr. Blaney

1879

[1879] Mr. Blaney: Things have never been so good and the Deputy knows it and is very annoyed about it.

Questions Nos. 29, 30 and 31 postponed.

Dáil Éireann 236 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. National Agricultural Council.

Questions

19681031