asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is satisfied that it is in the best interests of the Agricultural Institute to seek funds from societies and associations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Agricultural Institute Funds.
77.
Under sections 15 and 16 of the Agriculture (An Foras Talúntais) Act, 1958, the institute are authorised to charge fees for agricultural research carried out on behalf of any person and to accept donations. The institute normally receive a substantial amount of money in this way each year. Recently, the institute decided that they should endeavour to increase their receipts from these and other non-State sources and have entered into consultation with a number of agricultural interests for this purpose. I am satisfied that this initiative is correct and timely.
I understand that there is reason to believe that An Foras Talúntais will certainly suffer as a result of the loss of their independent status. As the Minister knows, they are made dependent on societies and on associations and on customers, if I may use that word, for funds. The fear is also held——
The Deputy is embarking on a statement.
Is the Minister aware that the fear is also held that dependence on funds from sources such as he mentioned might seriously affect the judgement of people involved in An Foras Talúntais because of the natural temptation to research the more profitable areas only and to be influenced by the contributions from the customers?
That is a long question.
Again I say to the Deputy that I never before heard the independence of An Foras Talúntais being questioned by anybody.
To be quite honest, neither did I, but certainly if An Foras Talúntais are to become to a greater extent dependent on contributions from outside bodies there is every reason to believe that there will be a loss of status.