asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries (a) how many greeting cards were sent over his name for Christmas, 1965 and/or the new year to herd owners and other members of the agricultural community; (b) the cost of each card, including cost of envelopes and postage; (c) the names of the centres throughout the country from which these cards were sent; (d) the number of people employed in each centre on the work and the total number; (e) the length of time devoted in each centre to the work; and (f) if it is his intention to repeat this gesture of greeting for this coming Christmas and new year; if so, if he is in a position to state the total cost; and, if he is not in such a position, when the information will be available.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Official Christmas Cards.
22.
In accordance with normal Departmental practice, official Christmas cards were issued to approximately 500 prominent persons in the agricultural and fisheries sectors, such as heads of rural organisations, state-sponsored bodies, university staffs, members of councils as well as overseas Agricultural Ministers and so on. The cards were issued from my Department's head office and cost 2/4½d. each including envelope and postage. A special 1966 New Year message to farmers, dealing with the problems and achievements in the farming sector in 1965 was enclosed with a routine official circular issued through the district veterinary offices of the Department and did not, therefore, cost anything to distribute. Cost of printing the message worked out at 0.42d per copy. Neither item involved any special staff arrangements.
My intention is to follow the same practice this year.
Thanks very much.
Could the Minister tell us how he intends to sign them next Christmas—Charles the Greatest?
Very poor stuff.
Not so cheerful Charlie.
Will the Minister send one to Mr. Deasy?
Would the Minister consider sending the 2/4½d. to the addressees who would probably prefer to receive that than the Christmas cards?
Order.