asked the Taoiseach if he will introduce legislation to assign exclusive and over-all responsibility for all aspects of the food industry to a Minister of State.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Food Industry.
1.
Deputy Hegarty, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, has had assigned to him as a major part of his duties a general oversight of the food processing industry in-so-far as that forms part of the functional responsibility of the Department of Agriculture.
With due respect to the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, if one were to ask any Deputy in this House to name the person responsible for the over-all food industry, I do not think the Deputy would be able to give the answer. The Taoiseach's reply is very unsatisfactory. Does he accept that there is a serious crisis in the food industry in general and that there is involved much more than the food processing industry? What action is the Taoiseach taking in order to resolve the situation?
I agree that there are many problems facing our food processing industry and that during a period of 30 years, despite many suggestions, proposals and reports, inadequate action has been taken to organise this industry properly. We are talking about an important area and one to which this Government will direct their attention during their period in office. Regarding the other aspect of the question raised, there are problems of co-ordination between the Department of Industry and Energy on the one side and the Department of Agriculture on the other. We will be directing our attention to these problems also.
By this reply the Taoiseach has indicated the real problem, which is lack of leadership.
Has the Deputy a question?
Will the Taoiseach accept that the ineptitude on the part of his Government in regard to recognising the two main factors concerning the food industry — the vast potential for job creation in a good strong and well-developed food industry and the great potential for reducing our balance of payments deficit by way of reducing the vast amounts of food imports to our country each week — has led to the crisis?
This does not arise from the question on the Order Paper.
What does the Taoiseach intend doing in regard to exploiting this potential?
I agree with the substantive points made by the Deputy. They are points that I made yesterday during a speech in County Wexford. However, the charge of ineptitude is one that can hardly be levied against our Government since the present state of the food industry obviously owes a lot to the way in which the affairs of the country generally were handled during the period after 1977.
Deputies
Hear, hear.
The Taoiseach is the laughing stock of the country. He is regarded as a big joke even by his backbenchers.
(Interruptions.)
This sort of thing arises when argument is introduced into a question.
The Taoiseach gave a tendentious reply. That is something he should not do. I never did it.
(Limerick West): In view of the admission by the Taoiseach regarding the present state of the food processing industry, is he aware also of the vast amounts of food being imported?
The question asks about the appointment of a Minister of food but we cannot have a debate on the food industry arising out of that.
(Limerick West): In view of what I have stated, will the Taoiseach consider appointing a Minister of State with responsibility for the food industry?
I have allocated responsibilities in respect of those aspects of food processing to the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture who, contrary to what has been said, is and is known to have been extremely active in this area during his period in office.
(Interruptions.)
The question relates to the appointment of a Minister of State responsible for all aspects of the food industry, not just the processing side. Is the Taoiseach aware of the crisis facing the horticultural sector and would he consider giving specific responsibility for that sector?
That is another question.
The question relates to all aspects of the food industry.
It is a separate question.
I do not want to be argumentative but the question refers to all aspects of the food industry and I am talking specifically about the horticultural sector. I do not feel it is a separate question and I should like a response from the Taoiseach.
As the Chair sees it, the question suggests that a Minister be given responsibility for the entire food industry but the Deputy is now breaking that down to mean a Minister responsible for a separate section. We could go on ad infinitum.
I should like to hear a response from the Taoiseach and I am sure that if you gave permission he would be delighted to respond.
The Taoiseach is not entitled to violate Standing Orders, even on invitation.
Would the Taoiseach accept a little presentation from me which I bought in Gort this morning which emphasises for me the absurdity——
The Deputy should address that to the press gallery.
(Interruptions.)
Deputy Fahey may not be aware that it is totally against Standing Orders to introduce exhibits in the House. Question No. 2.
It is more than Deputy Cluskey brought back from China.