asked the Minister for Agriculture whether, with a view towards demonstrating to farmers the most efficient methods of farming and also in order to ascertain accurately production costs, it is his intention to establish demonstration farms in all counties.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Establishment of Demonstration Farms.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a similar question of his on the 27th November, 1940. There is no reason at present to alter the views contained in that reply.
Is the Minister not aware that there is a considerable difference in the agricultural conditions which prevailed in 1914 compared with the conditions which prevail now? Is he not also aware that there are frequent complaints by his Department with regard to the alleged failure of farmers to follow the advice given by his Department, and would he not consider that the best way to have that advice brought home to the farmers would be by practical demonstrations on farms in each county? Is he not also aware that a great deal of the difficulty in connection with his Department is due to the practical impossibility of ascertaining production costs, and would he not agree that the best way to ascertain production costs would be by means of these demonstration farms, directly worked through the Department of Agriculture?
No; I would not agree with the Deputy in that.