asked the Taoiseach if he has received a communication from the Fresh Meat Exporters' Society seeking a meeting with him jointly with a deputation from the NFA and the ICMSA in order to discuss a matter of vital importance to farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meeting with Farming Organisations.
1.
In reply to a letter from the Irish Fresh Meat Exporters' Society seeking a meeting to discuss the level of the support payable on exports of carcase beef to Britain, I have indicated that the Government's decision to increase, by 10s per cwt. for 1969-70, the level of prices on which the rate of support payment under the beef export guarantee scheme had previously been calculated involves a very substantial increase in the level of the Exchequer commitment for the support of carcase beef exports; that it was taken only after very careful consideration by the Government of all the trade and financial aspects involved and that I do not think that a meeting to review the position would serve any useful purpose.
I have also intimated to the society that the Government fully appreciate the importance of the carcase beef industry in the national economy and the need for adequately safeguarding its legitimate interests; and that the level on which the carcase beef export support payments are now determined has not, in fact, had a detrimental effect on the throughput of the meat factories.
Am I to understand from the Parliamentary Secretary's reply that the Taoiseach has refused to meet the society?
He does not see that a meeting at this stage would be helpful.
Since the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries refused to see them, someone should see them.
The Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries is in touch with representatives of these societies from time to time.
The Minister has refused to see members of this society since last April.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary agree that it would be a responsible action to meet any representative body to discuss any problems they might have? The Parliamentary Secretary is aware that agriculture has a rather sorry record in this matter.
The Taoiseach has written fully to the society setting out the situation and I feel that they are satisfied with the situation.
Why are the Government and the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries not prepared to co-operate with voluntary agricultural organisations in the national interest?
The Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries does co-operate with them.
Surely the Parliamentary Secretary is aware that the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries has refused to meet any of the farming organisations and has been at war with them for the past few years?
It is the other way about. They refuse to meet him.
Question No. 2.
(Interruptions).
Let us have a little order please. The Deputy should not interrupt in this fashion. Question No. 2.