asked the Ministerfor Agriculture if he will give the Dáil an outline description of his recent visit to Denmark, and state what benefits will follow from it; and, further, if he has conveyed his impressions of the tour to his Department for note and attention.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Minister's Visit to Denmark.
In the short time at my disposal, I had a most interesting tour of both the Netherlands and Denmark and saw many aspects of the agricultural activities of both countries, which were most informative. I visited farms, co-operative creameries, bacon factories, progeny testing stations, reclamation projects, markets, experiment stations and educational institutions. To enter into any descriptive details, however, would take so much time that I feel it would be quite impracticable.
As regards the bearing of what I saw during the tour on the work of my Department, the Deputy can be assured that any appropriate action called for will be taken.
Did you see a dual-purpose cow?
Might I ask the Minister what improvement has taken place in the Department of Agriculture or the position of the Irish farmer as a result of his visit to Denmark?
Will the Minister say if he was impressed by the credit system and the cheap rate at which money was made available to agricultural producers in Denmark and, if so, will he have early discussions with the Government nominees on the Agricultural Credit Corporation in order to impress on them the advisability of copying the credit system in operation in Denmark?
Is it cheap in Denmark?
My supplementary question was addressed to the Minister for Agriculture.
Mr. Walsh
I did not come across cheap money in any place.
The Minister did not? I asked the supplementary question because the Minister in his reply on theVote said that he was impressed by the system. All I am asking him now is, will he convey his views on that matter to the Government nominees on the Agricultural Credit Corporation?
Might I further address a question to the Minister in that connection? Is it not a fact that he visited stables, piggeries and cow-houses in Denmark in a tall hat and tails? We have some very interesting photographs which will go down very well among the farmers.
Order! Question No. 40.