asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will state his intentions in regard to the re-organisation of the advisory service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Advisory Service Re-organisation.
29.
I have not yet completed my study of this rather complex matter. As soon as I have done so I will announce my decision.
Would the Minister like to make any observations on whether the new advisory service should be controlled by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries or by some body which people call autonomous?
I have not fully decided that as yet. I have read all the material. The Deputy will know the amount of material that has been compiled in relation to the advisory services and the amount of discussion that took place when he himself was Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries. I do not propose to start another round of discussions. I think I have enough advice from all the parties concerned, some of whom have given two or three different submissions.
Would the Minister indicate when we might reasonably expect an announcement in this regard?
I do not like to put a date on this. It is very difficult to do so but I am extremely anxious that this reorganisation should take place as soon as possible.
Might I say to the Minister that he has at his disposal a Department manned by people who cannot be surpassed in quality. I ask him to bear that in mind.
Could the Minister give any indication at this stage as to what his attitude will be to county committees of agriculture?
I do not quite get the question.
We understand that there are various opinions as to what will happen the advisory service. There is a committee dealing with that matter. What is the Minister's attitude towards the powers which the county committees of agriculture have at the moment?
The Deputy probably knows that there is a very large measure of agreement on what should happen to the advisory services.
There is not agreement. I have reason to know that.
We cannot have an argument on it now.
Where is the agreement?
I wish there was agreement.
I would say that there is a large measure of agreement between all interested parties.