Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Jul 1990

Vol. 401 No. 4

Written Answers. - Organic Farming.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

122 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has set up a special unit within his Department to promote the development of organic farming; the number of staff employed in this unit; the grants which have been paid to produce organisations for promotion and development of organic farming.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. O'Kennedy)

I would refer the Deputy to the replies to Questions Nos. 16, 50 and 53 (Official Report, 21 June 1990, volume 400, columns 749, 750 and 751).

Since then the EC regulation referred to has been agreed in principle by the Council of Ministers subject to further technical examination and the opinion of the European Parliament.

The unit set up to promote the development of all aspects of organic farming has up to now been adequately staffed from existing resources in my Department but I am reviewing the staffing position in the light of recent developments including the decision in principle of the Council of Ministers of 26 June to agree Community standards for organic farming.