asked the Minister for Agriculture if his attention has been drawn to a statement made at Ennis by the President of the NFA in the course of which he expressed doubts about the Government's intentions regarding the implementation of the recommendations of the Knapp Report; and, if so, if he will now say what progress, if any, has been made by his Department towards implementing this Report.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Implementation of Knapp Report.
47.
I have seen some press reports of such a statement.
As I indicated in my reply to a question by Deputy Coughlan on 12th November, the Government's policy in relation to the recommendations in Dr. Knapp's Report is set out in my Department's recent publication "Agriculture in the Second Programme for Economic Expansion". The essence of this policy is a reorganisation of the co-operative movement and of the creamery industry by the IAOS.
Certain steps have been taken by the Society with a view to its own reorganisation, but I understand that legislation will be required to give full effect to such reorganisation and to provide for its future relations with the co-operative movement. I am awaiting the Society's proposals in this regard and on the reorganisation of the creamery industry.
Is it not a fact that the Minister is not inclined to increase the price because it suits Messrs. Guinness who are one of the greatest supporters of the loan?
We have not come to that question yet.
The people of Ireland supported our loan.
This question deals with the reorganisation of the creamery industry by the IAOS.