(Cavan) asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he has seen a report of a recent meeting held in Templeport, County Cavan, attended by the Parliamentary Secretary and officials; under what auspices this meeting was held; who convened it; and what members of the Oireachtas resident in County Cavan were invited to be present.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cavan Meeting.
32.
I have seen the report referred to.
In the course of a visit to the Templeport, County Cavan, Pilot Area on 22nd October, the Parliamentary Secretary, as he has done in all other Pilot Areas, had an informal meeting with a number of farmers from one particular local group at the house of a neighbouring farmer. The meeting was arranged by the local advisory staff at the Parliamentary Secretary's request.
It is not the practice to invite members of the Oireachtas to these meetings.
(Cavan): Is the Minister aware that Senator Dolan of his Party was present and that an apology was read for inability to attend from Deputy Smith, also of his Party, and that the Parliamentary Secretary was accompanied by three civil servants?
It is not true to say that an apology was read from me.
(Cavan): It may not have been read with the Deputy's knowledge but I defy the Parliamentary Secretary to deny that it was read.
The Deputy is being petty.
(Cavan): I am not being petty.
There was no apology written by me.
(Cavan): I am not saying it was written by you.
In view of the charges which have been made, I am entitled to say that at no stage was there any such apology from Deputy Smith, either read or referred to.
(Cavan): How did Senator Dolan come——
There are other questions on the Order Paper.
Surely I am entitled to reply to the Deputy who is not entitled to monopolise——
Question Time is for the purpose of putting you in the pillory and the sooner you realise that the better.
The Minister is a haughty Haughey.
The Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries.
Put him on "Open House" next week.
May I suggest that the Parliamentary Secretary is perfectly entitled, if he wishes, to have the sound advice and experience of Senator Dolan at his disposal?
(Interruptions.)
(Cavan): Does the Minister think it proper that the Parliamentary Secretary should recruit and avail of the services of civil servants to rally the last remnants of the Fianna Fáil organisation?
(Interruptions.)
Question No. 33.
Obviously the Parliamentary Secretary has been a great success when he has excited such ire.
Senator Dolan seems to command more respect than the former Minister for Agriculture.