John Ellis
Question:52 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will give consideration to the re-introduction of committees of agriculture, as a means of giving local authority members an input into agricultural matters.
Written Answers. - Committees of Agriculture.
The Agriculture (Research, Training and Advice) Act, 1988, which dissolved the county committees of agriculture, provides for the establishment of committees to assist and advise Teagasc in relation to their activities.
Teagasc have set up four regional advisory councils. Each county council in each of four regions is represented on the advisory councils. This affords local authorities an opportunity of contributing to policy and operations in the agriculture and food industry. I understand the regional advisory councils are working satisfactorily.