asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will inquire from Bord na gCapall their policy in relation to the purchase of international quality show jumpers and whether a competent professional has been appointed to act as purchasing agent on the board's behalf.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bord na gCapall.
21.
The general policy that the board may follow in this matter is laid down in the Horse Industry Act, 1970. The members of the board are competent people and I do not think it would be appropriate for me to intervene in such matters as the arrangements that might be made to purchase such animals as the board might decide to buy.
Is the Minister aware that so far the board have apparently proved to be entirely incapable of providing themselves with a stable of quality international show jumpers? Is the Minister satisfied with the way in which they are going about their job in this regard?
I have not so far had an opportunity of examining closely the work of Bord na gCapall; I intend to do so when I have a little more time.
The Minister is aware that the Act establishing the board places an obligation on them to advise him in regard to this whole area, and to provide him with any information which he may seek from them. In view of the very unsatisfactory position obtaining at present, would the Minister pursue some investigations into the question?
I was not aware that the position was as unsatisfactory as the Deputy states. I will certainly look into it.
22.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the extent to which he has transferred ministerial functions to Bord na gCapall in relation to the breeding, sale and export of horses, equitation and other matters connected with the aforesaid.
I have not transferred any of my functions to Bord na gCapall.
Could the Minister explain why any time I have asked questions about the functions of Bord na gCapall they have been turned down on the grounds that the Minister had no function in the matter?
I cannot remember the Deputy getting answers of that kind from me.
These questions have been rejected on the grounds that the Minister had no function in the matter.
That is a separate matter altogether.
I have plenty of functions in the matter.