asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will consider declaring the parish of Williamstown, County Galway, a pilot area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Extension of Agricultural Pilot Areas.
57.
A comprehensive review of the pilot area development programme is at present being made and future arrangements will be considered in the light of this review. Meanwhile it is not proposed to extend the existing pilot areas.
Could the Minister explain to an ignoramus like myself what is meant by a pilot area in this sense?
A pilot area is an area selected for special treatment in order to demonstrate within that area the capacity of individual farmers, if they get special assistance, and they do get special assistance. The purpose of this in turn is to demonstrate to other farmers what can be done in a small area, and up to now the operation of the pilot area has been very successful.
For the Fianna Fáil farmers.
It is now under examination to see whether it can be further improved, and I think it can and will.
Does the Minister then propose to add to the very considerable expenditure of his Department?
This, as I said in my reply, is a matter that is now under examination.
Could the Minister tell us how pilot areas are selected?
This does not arise on the question.
Fianna Fáil men.
I do not think that was the basis.
Very likely.
If the Deputy cares to put down a question about this, I shall clarify it.
It is like every job in Dublin; Fianna Fáil people have preference.
I do not think so. That is an unwarranted and unfounded allegation.
The Minister knows it himself.
It is not only unwarranted but rather stupid as well.
It is not. It is a fact.
Fact as interpreted by the Deputy.