asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he has discussed EEC proposals for a directive on national aids to the promotion of agricultural exports with the existing agricultural promotion boards and with other interests who might be anxious to see promotion boards set up for particular commodities; if so, when; and if he will indicate the results of these discussions.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Promotion of Agricultural Exports.
16.
As I informed the Deputy in reply to his question of 9th November, the Commission's proposals in regard to aids in the agricultural sector for publicity, et cetera, are still in course of preparation. The question of discussions with promotion boards and other interests here has not, therefore, arisen.
Would the Minister agree that these promotion boards have special expertise in regard to these matters and that it would be valuable, whatever discussions are taking place in the working party on which Ireland is represented which is dealing with these proposals, to have the benefit of the particular knowledge of the people involved in promotion in this country at present, and that it should not be left to officials of his Department, who are not directly involved in agricultural promotion?
I would agree that it would be a sensible thing to enlist any worthwhile knowledge that would be available in this field.
Has the Minister done anything about it?
Not at the moment.
Not surprising.
We are having a particularly good run of success regardless of the Deputy's lack of surprise.