asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if discussions have taken place with the EEC on the status, location and method of operation of intervention agencies for various agricultural products; and if he will outline the content of any agreements reached so far.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Agricultural Products Intervention Agencies.
145.
The basic provisions in regard to intervention for the various products concerned are set out in the relevant EEC regulations and my Department is at present making arrangements for the operation of intervention procedures here as from 1st February next in accordance with those provisions. Certain details of the arrangements are under discussion with the European Commission.
What proposals are under consideration in the Department at present? Does the Department itself intend to act as the intervention agency or does it intend to delegate this function? Where does the Minister intend to locate the depots?
In most countries the Department of Agriculture acts as the main intervention body and acting in that capacity it may have to use available storage in various parts of the country by agreement with the owners of the storage. Certain bodies may have delegated to them functions by an intervention body but they will be working in liaison with the Department of Agriculture.
Would the Minister not agree that it is fairly late in the day now and that we should have a little more definite information if we are to put this into operation by next February?
I do not think there is any need to panic. I think the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries will cope adequately with the matter acting as the intervention agency.