asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries when he intends to implement the proposal to set up a Meat Marketing Board; and if he is yet in a position to give particulars of this Board.
19.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meat Marketing Board.
18.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries when he expects to be in a position to make a decision in relation to a Meat Marketing Board.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose taking Questions 18 and 19 together.
Until I have fully considered this matter, I am not in a position to make a statement of my intention concerning it.
Is the Minister aware that this has been under consideration in his Department for over three years? When does the consideration end in his Department?
The Deputy should not walk into the confusion that is apparently taking place, to the effect that the Department is the Minister. I have not been considering it for three years, or even for three months, and it is a serious matter that requires very careful consideration which I propose to give it before I make any decision, good, bad or indifferent.
We can expect it in another 12 months, I suppose.
What the Deputy can expect is up to him.
The former Minister for Agriculture promised the NFA that a meat marketing board would be set up——
Question No. 20.
Why is the present Minister for Agriculture reneging on the promise——
I have not reneged. I am clearly stating here and now that——
Where is the collective responsibility?
I have called Question No. 20.
By speaking about collective responsibility, the Deputy will not lead me into saying I will or I will not——
There is no collective responsibility.
We need a Coalition for that.