asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if, as reported, he stated at Mallow on 25th January, 1967 that he intended to stay in the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries despite threats or intimidations; and if he will give the nature of the threats or intimidations to which he referred.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Statement by Minister.
36.
I stated at Mallow on 25th January last that I hoped to stay in the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and that neither threats nor intimidation would get me out. I was referring to threats of militancy or agitation that have been made, or that may be made in the future, by sectional interests in an attempt to compel me to yield to their demands or to take decisions on agricultural policy matters along lines dictated by them.
Hit me now, if you dare. The Minister is behaving just like a schoolboy.
While this unfortunate dispute is continuing, the number of our farmers is steadily declining because many small farmers cannot now exist on their holdings, as is clearly indicated in a recent report——
Deputy Murphy will clearly understand that he is making an argument, not asking a specific question. I cannot allow that.
He is clarifying it.
He is making an argument.
A substantial number of farmers in this country have not at present an economic standard of living. In view of recent declining prices, their incomes are declining. Does the Minister propose to take any steps to alleviate the position and to arrest the decline in the numbers of our farmers and farm workers which is revealed by the latest statistics to be published?
The Deputy is making a speech.
It is a question.
The Deputy's respect for the Chair is clearly evidenced by his actions.
Is there any answer?
It is a good question but it is another question.
Next question.