asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state whether he has established an agricultural consultative committee, and if so, whether he will state the names and addresses of the members of it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Agricultural Production Consultative Council.
Arrangements are in progress for the establishment of an agricultural production consultative council on the following basis:—Three members to be selected from among their own number by the chairmen of the county committees of agriculture in the Province of Minister; three members to be selected from among their own number by the chairmen of the county committees of agriculture in the Province of Leinster; three members to be selected from among their own number by the chairmen of the county committees of agriculture in the Province of Connaught; one member to be selected from among their own number by the chairmen of the county committees of agriculture in Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan (Province of Ulster).
Two members to be selected by each of the undermentioned organisations:— Irish Sugar Beet Growers' Association, Ltd.; Irish Dairy Shorthorn Breeders' Society; Irish Agricultural Organisation Society, Ltd.; Royal Dublin Society; Irish Farmers' Federation; National Executive of the Irish Live Stock Trade; Muintir na Tire.
On this basis the membership would amount to 24. In view of the desirability of keeping membership within reasonable limits I decided to restrict the number of bodies to be directly represented. I am, however, prepared to nominate a few additional members if such a course is necessary to ensure that the council will be fully representative of all aspects of the farming industry. An announcement as to the personnel of the council will be made at an early date.