Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 3 Jul 1979

Vol. 315 No. 10

Córas Beostoic agus Feola Bill, 1979: Second Stage.

Minister for Agriculture (Mr. Gibbons)

I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time".

The purpose of this Bill is to set up a statutory body, called Córas Beostoic agus Feola, to define its powers and to make provision for the financing of its work. A body called Córas Beostoic agus Feola Teoranta exists already. It was established in 1969 under the Companies Act and is a company limited by guarantee. It has no share capital and is entirely Exchequer-financed.

The main functions of Córas Beostoic agus Feola Teoranta, as set out in its memorandum of association, are to promote the export of cattle and sheep and the meat of cattle and sheep. This body will be wound up when the present proposals become law. I should like to record my appreciation of the work done by Córas Beostoic agus Feola Teoranta since its establishment. In spite of its limited resources and restricted brief it has made an important contribution to the very satisfactory growth achieved by the Irish livestock and meat export trade over the last ten years. Córas Beostoic agus Feola Teoranta has successfully promoted Irish beef and lamb abroad.

Mr. Bruton

I am sorry to interrupt the Minister but does he have a copy of his script?

Mr. Gibbons

I am afraid I have no facilities.

It participated in numerous exhibitions and organised some highly praised symposia in Ireland. Some valuable reports have been published on matters such as transport and marketing. Offices have been established in a number of European cities and an office is due to be opened in Brussels in the near future. Perhaps its most important and successful function has been the provision of an information service to the livestock and meat industry.

Córas Beostoic agus Feola Teoranta has always enjoyed a close working relationship with my Department. It is my intention that a similar fruitful relationship should exist with its successor. It was always the intention that, in time, legislation would be introduced to put the organisation on a statutory basis. I am certain that it is now opportune to make Córas Beostoic agus Feola a statutory body and, in addition, to broaden the scope of its activities while making new arrangements for its financing. I have long felt that Córas Beostoic agus Feola has been unduly restricted and has been prevented from playing the kind of development role our livestock and meat industry now requires.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

Would the Minister move the adjournment of the debate?

Debate adjourned.