asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries what was the result of his recent discussions with the NFA; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Discussions with NFA.
33.
I would refer the Deputy to the statement I issued on 23rd March following the meeting which the Taoiseach and I had with NFA representatives on 21st March.
Is it not a fact that the outcome of these discussions has been that the Minister made no attempt whatsoever to bring about the setting up of a worthwhile independent national agricultural council and that, in fact, he did everything possible to prevent that from happening?
If we want to charge each other in the House with damaging the prospects of such a council, I think it would be very well placed if that charge were laid at Deputy Clinton's door instead of the Minister's door.
That is the usual nonsensical statement.
You arrested farmers the day before the meeting was held.
It was seven or eight hours arguing about nothing.
I believe some members of the Fianna Fáil cumann in Moville placed the blame at the Minister's door — is the Party divided?
(Interruptions.)
What happened at your meeting in Moville?
For the information of the House, what the Deputy is trying to put across is that there are NFA people in the Fianna Fáil organisation and that I talked to them at a cumann meeting.
Is Mr. Boyle one of them?
You are fighting among yourselves. I am told the Moville meeting was worse than Ballybofey.
We do not fight among ourselves.
Yourself and the Taoiseach are fighting at present.
(Interruptions.)
Would the Minister not consider that it would be in the national interest for him to talk to all these farming groups with a view to finding a peaceful solution? Would it not be in the national interest that the Minister should consider talking to these groups and listening to their point of view instead of trying to stir up trouble?
What does the Deputy think I have been doing?
Stirring up trouble.
In so far as one of these organisations is concerned, when it has indicated that it is done with illegal activities, it is open to be talked to, the same as any other organisation is entitled to be talked to by the Minister and the Government.
The Minister's predecessor kept them outside for 20 days.
I had a meeting with them for four hours.
Into what category does the Minister put the Fianna Fáil Moville rebel wing?
The Deputy will find that out at the next election.
I know it already.