asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps which are being taken to ensure that the proposed merger of ACOT and AFT will not lead to a deterioration in research and advisory services for agriculture.
Written Answers. - Agriculture Research Services.
14.
The decision to amalgamate AFT and ACOT is part of the Government's drive to rationalise State services generally and to ensure better co-ordination of research, advisory and training services in agriculture. Legislation will be introduced shortly to set up a new authority whose objective will be to provide those services required to continue the development of the agriculture and food industry in the most cost-effective manner possible.