asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will review the decision to close the Pomology Institute at Ballygagin, Dungarvan, County Waterford, in the interests of the Irish apple-growing industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers - County Waterford Institute Closure.
11.
The decision to close the Pomology Research Station at Ballygagin was taken by the council of An Foras Talúntais and I have no function in the matter.
Would the Minister be prepared to make some inquiries into the proposed closure? Is he aware that this institute supplied research data for all the apple growing ventures in the country, including the Six Counties? I am reliably informed that there is greater acreage under orchards in County Armagh alone than in the whole of the Twenty-six Counties. Will the Minister investigate the matter to see if a cross-Border venture could be financed out of the EEC regional fund? I believe there are funds available for such joint ventures.
I will have the matter looked into to see if we can help to reestablish it on a cross-Border basis. I am sure the Deputy is aware that An Foras announced the closure of three stations some few weeks ago and this was one of them. I am sure the Deputy is further aware that the Government have no say in the day-to-day workings of An Foras. That is quite properly the situation. I will have it looked at.
Is the Minister aware that over the years the apple growers have made great use of the research station in question?
Arising out of the Minister's reply in which he referred to the decision to close three stations one of which is in Dungarvan and the other two at Glenamoy, County Mayo and at Maam, County Galway, would he not agree that it is inconsistent with the stated objective of the national economic plan that productivity be increased in agriculture to close down research stations in agriculture including the only one in the country dealing with hill sheep, for example, at Maam, County Galway?
That question does not arise.
The question relates to Ballygagin, Dungarvan, County Waterford.
In his reply the Minister referred to the decision which affected three stations. I am naming one at Glenamoy, County Mayo, and one at Maam, County Galway. They are all part of the one decision. I find it unsatisfactory that we can debate the productivity of agriculture but we cannot get responsibility for the closing of research stations.
I want to put it on record that the council of An Foras Talúntais are responsible for the general government of the body and the administration of their affairs. They are not required to consult the Minister or secure his consent in these matters. That covers the situation fairly well.
Have we really thrown in the towel where apple growing is concerned? Are we now prepared to import all our supplies of apples? Is that the attitude being taken by the Department?
I did not say that.
It seems to be the underlying theory behind the closing down of the three stations in question and the Ballygagin one in particular.
Will the Minister ask the council to justify their decision to him?
If the Deputy wishes to put down a question I will answer it.