asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the proposals, if any, he has for the establishment of a national agricultural council.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Agricultural Council.
23.
Agricultural interests are fully represented in the recently formed National Economic and Social Council and the formation of a separate agricultural council is unnecessary at the present time. As the Deputy is aware, since I took office, there has been very close consultation and collaboration between my Department and the farming organisations on all matters relating to the EEC and national policies.
May I ask the Minister what consultation he has had with the 150,000 small farmers in the country who are now beginning to feel the pinch, and have their backs to the wall?
I assume that the farmers to whom the Deputy refers are members of one of the farming organisations. I have seen all the farming organisations on frequent occasions.
The Minister's function may or may not be accurate but when he is making broad, sweeping statements——
I would ask the Deputy not to continue making statements.
There is not one application for a deputation which I have not received.