asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will increase the number of members on the board of An Bord Gráin by amending legislation, if necessary, with a view to his appointing representatives of the Irish Farmers Association to the board.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - An Bord Gráin.
29.
The present membership of An Bord Gráin is at the maximum level permitted by the appropriate legislation.
As the position of An Bord Gráin in the context of EEC membership is being considered the question of amending legislation to permit increased membership would not be warranted at this stage.
30.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if the nomination by the Minister of farmer representatives to boards such as An Bord Gráin will be permissible in the EEC; and, if so, when he expects to change his practice in this regard.
I would draw the Deputy's attention to paragraphs 199 and 200 of the Appendix to the White Paper on The Accession of Ireland to the European Communities in which it is indicated that the powers and functions of a number of State-sponsored agricultural marketing agencies will have to be modified in the context of EEC membership. Any changes in the constitution of any of these bodies will fall to be determined in the light of changes in the body's functions. There is nothing in existing EEC regulations to prevent a Minister from nominating representatives to State boards.
Would the Minister agree that farmers' representatives should be nominated by farmers?
As a general rule, yes, I would accept that principle.