Social Partnership.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 November 2004

Thursday, 18 November 2004

Questions (65)

Dan Boyle

Question:

62 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has considered the case from ICSA to be represented in social partnership; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29373/04]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

Currently, the agriculture pillar is represented by the IFA, the ICMSA, ICOS and Macra na Feirme at national partnership. It is considered that these organisations have a sufficient spread of membership and interests both to represent adequately the views of the sector and to build a consensus around optimum policies for the agri-food sector at national level.

However, my Department is always willing to meet with farm representative bodies to discuss issues of particular concern and there is regular contact with the ICSA on issues of importance to its members.