asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries whether consideration of the Emrys Jones Davis Report has yet been completed; and, if so, what action is proposed in the light of this Report.
Ceisteanna—Questions (Resumed). - Emrys Jones Davis Report.
5.
This matter is still under consideration. It is my intention to discuss the Report and views expressed thereon by other interests concerned with the National Agricultural Council before deciding on proposals for action arising out of the Report.
Could the Minister give us a forecast as to when the consideration of this important report will be completed and when he will be in a position to determine what course of action is appropriate in this regard?
An amount of consideration is being given to this report by various interests, not the least of which is the General Council of Committees of Agriculture with whom I talked on this matter today when I addressed them. They have set up a special committee to consider the whole impact of the report. I shall await their comments and their suggestions on it before I reach any conclusions. Likewise, I expect to hear from the CAOs in the country and their organisation. I may also hear from other farming organisations throughout the country and all these suggestions and comments I would like to have before I attempt to reach any final conclusions arising from the report. Therefore it is rather difficult, if not impossible, to forecast with any accuracy.
In view of the fact that the Minister feels the need for this extent of consultation, would it not be reasonable to give general notice to those who wish to make representations in regard to the contents of this report that they will be expected to do so, say, before 1st June or 1st April or some date, so that the Minister can arrive at a decision at some reasonably approximate date without having to wait indefinitely for all and sundry to present their opinions?
The Deputy can take it that I do not intend to wait indefinitely and anybody who is really interested will not expect that I should await their returns.
Would it be reasonable to say that if they want to make representations, they ought to do so before 1st June?
I would say they should have done so by early spring.