asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will state his views on the recent proposals by Mr. Michael J. Walshe of the Agricultural Institute, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, for a national programme for developing agriculture as expressed at a meeting of the Irish Grassland and Animal Production Association in Cahir on 13th February, 1971.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Agricultural Development Programme.
19.
I have seen the statement referred to by the Deputy. The author has drawn some interesting perspectives for Irish agriculture though it does not seem to have been made clear how these are to be achieved.
The position of and prospects for Irish agriculture in the EEC are set out in considerable detail in my Department's publication Irish Agriculture and Fisheries in the EEC which was sent to all members of the Oireachtas.
In the light of the Minister's answer—and the items which have been spelled out in a mature fashion by Mr. Walshe of the institute—would the Minister not agree that they should be studied by him and his Department; and that the proposals coming from the Agricultural Institute must be studied by him and his Department, and discussed with the farming community or their representatives in the NFA?
It goes without saying that every worthwhile proposition which is made with regard to our entry into the EEC, and its implications for agriculture, is automatically studied by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.