asked the Taoiseach if he will state with reference to a reply of 15th July, 1969, if the Government have yet reached a decision on the need to introduce necessary measures to ensure effective representation from the agricultural sector on the National Industrial Economic Council.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Agricultural Representation on NIEC.
19.
The Government have already decided on the formation of a broadly based National Economic Council, in succession to the National Industrial Economic Council, which would include representatives of agricultural and other sectors not at present represented. Consideration is at present being given, in consultation with the NIEC, to the role and structure of the new council but I am not yet in a position to say when the arrangements necessary to give effect to the changes proposed will be complete.
Does the Taoiseach not accept that, notwithstanding the recommendations made to him ad nauseam over a very considerable period that these particular measures should be introduced as a matter of urgency, the Government have a great responsibility for their failure to bring about these measures? Do we have to wait until the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries leaves his present position or when can we expect that the changes requested over the past two or three years will be brought about to assist farmer-community relations?
The matter does not revolve around who is Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries. What is needed is agreement between the different agricultural organisations amongst themselves, particularly the larger organisations, and the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries. I have been encouraging these organisations to come together to form an organisation with which negotiations can be conducted more profitably than at present and from which representation to the proposed National Economic Council can be made.
Did the Taoiseach say that the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries and himself have been encouraging them to come together?
Yes.
I seem to recall an intervention by the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries at the time of certain voting which was certainly not calculated to bring about good farmer-community relations in this country.
Deputies
Hear, hear.
Is it intended that the new council will have an independent secretariat?
It is hoped that will happen eventually. In the meantime, as the Deputy is aware, the secretariat is provided by the Department of Finance.
Surely the Taoiseach realises that farmers' organisations have come together, are working together and co-operating together, and the only person not working with them and not prepared to co-operate with them is the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries?
Deputies
Hear, hear.
It is a bit early in the day to be trying to score political points.
The farmers never had it so good.
(Interruptions.)