asked the Minister for agriculture when he proposes to introduce short duration intensive courses, additional to those existing already, for agricultural advisers, farmers, farm workers and apprentices; and if he will indicate the agency to be made responsible for them, the additional moneys to be provided for them in 1977 and the annual additional cost of the new courses.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Agricultural Courses.
5.
The matters raised by the Deputy will be considered in the context of the amendments to the National Agricultural Advisory, Education and Research Authority Act, 1977, which I shall be placing before the Government shortly.
Would the Minister say when he will be placing the proposed amending legislation before the Government and if he is aware that the Parliamentary Secretary, on his behalf, stated here when last this matter was raised that he hoped the legislation would be introduced before Christmas?
I hope to have my proposals before the Government within the next few weeks. Some delays that we did not anticipate occurred since the time the Parliamentary Secretary answered questions on this subject previously.
In view of the fact that the Estimates for 1978 must now be at an advanced stage of preparation, could the Minister say if additional money is being provided in the Estimate to have these additional courses, which it was promised in the Minister's party's manifesto would be introduced during 1978?
This is a separate matter that has to do with budgetary arrangements, and I do not believe it is the practice to anticipate these before publication of the Book of Estimates.
It is a key issue, whether the Minister is going to do it.
We shall get ahead with this legislation as fast as we can.
And nothing will be done until this legislation comes in?
That is the Deputy's assumption.
It seems to be correct.