asked the Minister for Agriculture if he accepts the EEC Commission proposal that aid under the Farm Modernisation Scheme be made available to dairy farmers after 1 January 1980 only in very limited circumstances and when a decision in the matter will be taken.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Farm Modernisation Scheme.
5.
As I have already indicated in the Council, I cannot accept the EEC Commission proposal to restrict investment in dairying and I will be pressing for appropriate modifications to ensure that investment in this key sector of our agriculture is not impeded.
Will the Minister give an assurance that in the event of this matter being pressed to a decision by the Commission, in view of the importance of the dairying industry to Ireland and particularly to small farmers, he will be prepared to use his veto?
I take it that the Deputy is anxious that the Minister should use his veto in a certain eventuality and I shall convey his strong feelings to the Minister for Agriculture.
Has the Minister any idea of what the Minister for Agriculture's feelings are in the matter?
He is totally dedicated to the idea that there should be no brake put on the development of the dairying industry.
Therefore, the Minister cannot say whether the Minister for Agriculture would be prepared to use the veto.
The Minister will be acquainted with the Deputy's strong views. Though I am not an amateur psychologist I am sure those views correspond with the views of the Minister who I am sure, will take all the steps necessary to ensure that the dairying industry is not impeded.
Since the Minister for Education is answering for the Minister for Agriculture, one would have assumed that he would have had means other than psychology of knowing what his colleague intended to do.
I have read the brief and I have stated categorically that the Minister says he will be pressing for appropriate modifications to ensure that investment in this key sector of our agriculture is not impeded. Clear words do not need interpretation.
I trust that the steps taken will be adequate but I have some doubts in that regard.