(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Agriculture if it is his intention to introduce an appropriate payment for the services of ACOT as outlined in Building on Reality 1985-1987.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - ACOT Services.
5.
In accordance with paragraph 2.42 of the national plan it will be necessary to arrange for an appropriate payment by farmers who can afford to pay where advisory services are tailored to their individual needs.
(Limerick West): Would the Minister say what he means by the phrase “tailored to their individual needs”? What is the appropriate fee likely to be?
We are a long way from setting the fees. With regard to "tailoring to their individual needs", ACOT are hoping to provide a very specialised high-powered service involving input by experts. This need has been well established because, as the Deputy knows, many private operators have set up as consultants providing a very expensive service and ACOT have recognised this need.
(Limerick West): We are talking about ACOT providing the service, not consultants.
ACOT will now be providing the service as the Deputy will know from the most recent announcement. They will have similar high-powered people who will give specialised advice. With regard to the second part of the question, how much and who can pay, we will have a better opportunity to discuss that because before we can do anything, enabling legislation will have to be produced so that the Minister can allow ACOT to bring in charges.
(Limerick West): Who will decide the type of service that is tailored to individual needs? Would the Minister accept that this is but the beginning, the foot in the door, to charge farmers for advisory services which up to now were available to all farmers, irrespective of size, free of charge? Would he further agree that from now on the service will be available only to farmers who can afford to pay?
I did not say that. ACOT will provide specialised services and they have already decided the structures they will have. They will have specialists giving advice to farmers on all aspects of agriculture. I expect that they would give the service which seems to be in demand.
Having regard to the average size of farm holdings and production costs which are causing so much difficulty at present, does the Minister not agree that this is a highly inappropriate time to talk about introducing charges for the advisory services?
No, I do not agree. Somebody has to bear the cost of this service and, as the cost involved is very heavy, it is fair that the person receiving the service should pay at least a portion of the cost. The Deputy should also remember that the national plan clearly states that this will only apply to those who can afford to pay.
Could the Minister say what percentage of farmers have not availed of the advisory service on a regular basis?
That is a separate question.
(Limerick West): With regard to the appropriate charges outlined in Building on Reality, did the Minister discuss this with the board of ACOT before a decision was made to charge the farmers for these services and is it acceptable to ACOT?
All that information will be available in due course.
(Limerick West): Is the Minister refusing to answer the question? Have ACOT accepted the principle of charges?
The Government have taken a decision which will be implemented.
6.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Agriculture when he expects the report of the review body on the functions of ACOT; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
7.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is satisfied with the working relationship between An Foras Talúntais and ACOT; and, if not, the action he proposes to take on the matter.
I propose taking Questions Nos. 6 and 7 together.
It is stated in the national plan that it is imperative to ensure that the services provided by An Foras Talúntais and ACOT are fully co-ordinated. Accordingly, I have set up a group to review and make recommendations on the operation of the agricultural advisory, training and research services. I have asked the group to complete their work by autumn if possible.