asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries when he will carry out a reorganisation in his Department, in view of the fact that the advisers' dispute has been settled.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Advisory Service Reorganisation.
3.
I presume the Deputy is referring to the reorganisation of the advisory service. I hope to be in a position to announce my decision on this matter without undue delay.
When the Minister says "without undue delay", will it be next month?
The Minister, as I say, is giving this his serious consideration and he does not indicate how long it will be before he is fully satisfied that we have an efficient farm service.
Could the Minister tell us when a similar answer to a similar type question was last given on behalf of the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries?
I regret that I do not have that information.
Is the Minister aware that a similar type answer was given to a similar type question more than once during the last 15 months?
Yes, I would say in general that it is common to all Deputies, that all Deputies would like to see an efficient advisory service. There has been a great deal of discussion on this matter over the years and the Minister appears to be in a position to advise on the formation of a new advisory service shortly or within a decent period.
Will the Minister ask his colleagues to do something about it?
This Government have every confidence in the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, as have the farming community.
I would not say that many of the Minister's Labour Party colleagues have.
Order, please.
When Fianna Fáil were in power they did not exactly cover themselves in glory when dealing with the agricultural position.
Agriculture made more and bigger strides in that period than at any other time. I want to ask the Minister whether it is envisaged that in the reorganisation of the advisory services the amalgamation of the other services of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries like the farm building scheme, the land project, et cetera, is contemplated.
As the Deputy might appreciate, I can scarcely give all the elements of the Minister's proposals in this area.
Can the Minister give any of the elements?
The Deputy will be aware that in his period in this office he gave some attention to it; the Minister is now bringing forward a scheme which will apply nationally, which he has discussed with the Agricultural Advisers' Organisation, which is the subject of review by the various Government Departments and he should be in a position to announce his plans in this matter shortly.
May I recommend that the Minister inform his colleague, the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, to have reference to the files on this subject——
This is not a question.
——and the preparations which had been made before this Government came into office——
I am sorry. I cannot allow statements or arguments to be made at Question Time.
I can assure the Deputy that any positive thinking that he did on this subject while he was here will be utilised by this Government.
I sincerely hope so.
Surely the Minister is aware that the views which he said would have to be obtained have already been obtained? I acted on a committee for three years and all the views have been given to the Department.
The Deputy is giving rather than seeking information.
It is probably just as well that information be given.
Question No. 4.