asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will assist the various farming organisations to establish an independent farmers' council to negotiate for all agricultural producers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Independent Farmers' Council.
5.
It is, of course, always open to the various farm organisations, if they so desire, to get together and form a single council to represent the interests of agricultural producers. As I have frequently stressed, I am in favour of close collaboration among farming organisations as a means of facilitating consultation and co-operation between the Government and the farming community. However, the Deputy will appreciate that, as Minister, I have no function to intervene in differences or disputes between these organisations and I do not think that any such intervention by me at the present time would serve any useful purpose.
As regards a Council of producer organisations having a negotiating role, I should like to point out that farmers are entrepreneurs and not employees of the Government and that decisions relating to farm prices and farm supports are of direct concern to many other interests and directly affect the level of taxation. While, therefore, the Government are anxious to have constructive advice and guidance from representatives of organised farmers, agricultural policy decisions must continue to be taken by the Government in the light of all the factors involved.
Is the Minister aware that the arrogant and dictatorial action of the Government and the Minister for Agriculture is responsible for keeping the farmers divided as they are today?
That is a separate question.
The Minister's good will in this respect is well known.
Surely the Minister realises that the Minister for Agriculture is trying to relegate farmers to the position of second-class citizens and is trying to trample on them for the past year?
I cannot allow the Deputy to continue on those lines. We cannot have a debate on this question.
What the people want is action, not pious words or distorted exaggerations from a so-called Minister.
Question No. 6.
The contrary is the fact and it is well known.
We do not want distorted exaggerations from a so-called Minister.