asked the Minister for Agriculture the number of agricultural advisers who have undergone specialised training in the organisation of co-operatives.
34.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Agricultural Advisers.
33.
asked the Minister for Agriculture what special training facilities, if any, are available to agricultural advisers who wish to study the techniques and methods of co-operative organisation.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 34 together.
The primary responsibility for the organisation of co-operatives falls on the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society Ltd., which provides specialised advice and assistance in this field. Agricultural advisers can, however, play an important part in stimulating interest in, and in influencing the development of co-operation; and many have in fact given valuable assistance in the establishment of agricultural co-operatives.
All agricultural advisers have been given the opportunity to acquire a knowledge of the principles and practice of co-operation during their university training and many of them have been able to see co-operation in practice in other countries on the occasion of study tours. The subject of co-operation has, with the assistance of the IAOS, been included in the recent in-service training course for Pilot Area Advisers and its inclusion in future in-service training courses for other advisers is envisaged.