asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is now in a position to state what system he proposes to recommend for the improvement of cow-testing associations as envisaged in the Second Programme for Economic Expansion.
Ceisteanna—Questions (Resumed). - Cow-Testing Associations.
5.
The improvement of cow testing associations as envisaged in the Second Programme for Economic Expansion must be effected within a general scheme for milk recording and progeny testing. As I indicated in reply to a question from Deputy Clinton on 2nd March, I have not so far reached a decision on this important issue.
I am sure the Minister is aware that this matter has been under consideration for a long time. I got a similar answer to a question in May, 1965, so we can take it that there has been no progress in the matter.
I would agree to a certain extent with the Deputy's concluding remark. These discussions have been going on for quite a long time, but there has been a number of people involved who have had various suggestions to make. These suggestions have had to be examined and they have not been found to be really acceptable, and this is the cause of the delay in coming to a conclusion on the matter. There were so many interests concerned in the matter—and a very important matter it is—that time was necessary in order that the various proposals and suggestions could be examined to find out which is best. That is what we are trying to do. We are not sitting on the matter in the Department.
Has the Minister any clear idea as to what should be done?
I am trying to clear up the ideas and suggestions that have emanated from many people who have great experience in these matters. These proposals affect others in the industry who have to be consulted in order that I may get a clear picture of what is best.
Has the Minister any estimate as to when this matter will be terminated?
I have not.
Is the root of this matter not the question of organising personnel who will undertake the weighing of the milk for the farmers at regular intervals instead of leaving that responsibility to individual members of the Cow Testing Associations?
I agree that there is an amount of truth and good sense in what Deputy Dillon says, which is rare from Deputy Dillon.
Do not be offensive: that does not do any good.
There is no reason why I should not have a swipe at the Deputy occasionally—he does not mind having a swipe at me. There are other people interested in this matter as well as the Department, and the Deputy would be the first to agree that the views of these people who are vitally interested must be given consideration. What would be proposed by way of a scheme would have to be generally acceptable; otherwise, the whole thing would not work.
If you approach this in the spirit in which you approach me, you will never get anything settled.
The Deputy and I could never get anything settled, but that does not matter. It is no loss to the country if there is anything between us.