asked the Minister for Agriculture if it is his intention to proceed with the "parish plan" as was intended by the previous Administration.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Parish Plan.
Mr. Walsh
No. I have decided not to transfer the county agricultural advisory services from the county committees of agriculture. I am asking, instead, that the county committees should strengthen these services by employing more instructors in agriculture and I am prepared to facilitate them as far as I can in doing so.
Would the Department guarantee the salaries of the extra officials?
Mr. Walsh
Half the salaries.
Is it not so that the Minister is proceeding with the parish plan in the congested——
Mr. Walsh
No.
Do not be cross. Is it not so that an advertisement was published in the papers last week by the Appointments Commissioners asking for applications from A.O.s and A.A.O.s and from farm building supervisors, for the position of parish agent in the congested areas and that a competition is proceeding? Is not that so?
Mr. Walsh
That is true.
Then the Minister is going on with the parish plan in the congested areas?
Mr. Walsh
No. We are not extending it.
But in the congested areas?
Mr. Walsh
Deputy Dillon wanted the parish plan throughout the rest of the country outside the congested areas. There has been no interference with the congested areas.
Surely the Minister is not going to tell me that he suggested the parish plan for the congested areas?
Mr. Walsh
You had not the material put into it.
The Minister has killed it.