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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Feb 1967

Vol. 226 No. 6

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Agricultural Council.

37.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will make a general statement in regard to the proposed Agricultural Council, giving an outline of the functions of such council; if they will advise him; or if there is to be any departure from the principle that the Government elected to office must have authority and discretion to fully implement their own agricultural policy.

In a recent statement, I suggested that the time may have come for a fresh approach to the whole matter of the relationship between the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries and the various farm organisations, and that there may be a case for a National Agricultural Council with which I could discuss major policy matters. This idea has had a favourable response, and the Government have now approved of my setting up a National Agricultural Council to provide a forum for discussions between representatives of the farming community and the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries on agricultural policy matters, including the carrying out of an annual review of the position, progress and prospects of agriculture.

I believe that, to be effective, the council should be both representative and compact and should essentially concern itself with matters of broad policy.

I intend, therefore, that the council should be composed basically of representatives of four major organisations which broadly represent the economic interests of primary producers. These are:

The General Council of Committees of Agriculture;

The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers' Association;

The Irish Sugar Beet Growers' Association Ltd.;

The National Farmers' Association. Each of these four are being invited to nominate two representatives on the council and, in addition to these eight, I propose to nominate six persons to represent particular agricultural interests that might not otherwise be adequately represented.

While, in the main, policy matters will be discussed in the council, individual organisations will still be free to raise and discuss separately with my Department matters of particular interest to them.

It is also envisaged that the council would be represented on the National Industrial Economic Council.

As regards the last part of the Deputy's question, while I would hope to have the greatest guidance and assistance from the council in the formulation of agricultural policy, the ultimate decisions must, of course, continue to rest with the Minister and the Government.

Would the Minister say how soon the first meeting will take place?

The invitations are probably issued or are being issued at this moment.

Is there a date fixed?

No. We are inviting them to nominate and then we will seek to fix the date as soon as possible.

The Minister could have told me that when I asked him.

(Cavan): Would the Minister consider giving representation to mountain sheep farmers on this council?

Yes, indeed. This is why I had to have this nomination business.

I was going to ask the Minister would he not consider inviting Muintir na Tíre, which is a national organisation.

We will have to talk about that again.

Question time is concluded. The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.

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