asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is yet in a position to set up the meat marketing board; and, if not, if he will give the reason for the delay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meat Marketing Board.
10.
As announced last month, the question of an export promotional body for meat and livestock has been discussed by the National Agricultural Council and the council has invited the views of interests concerned. After these views have been received and considered, I will come to a decision in the light of the council's recommendations.
Can the Minister tell us if it is his intention to set this up immediately? Is the Minister not aware that his predecessor in office, Deputy Haughey, promised this over a year ago and also that he himself promised last October at the Fianna Fáil Árd Fheis that he would look into the matter and deal with it immediately? Furthermore, does the Minister not realise that Irish farmers are today taking from £10 to £15 less for their cattle than would be the case if there were a proper marketing board and a proper system and means of selling our livestock?