asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries when he received the report on the low income problem in farming in the West of Ireland prepared by the western regional office of his Department; and if he will state the terms of reference under which the report was prepared.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Western Farm Incomes.
30.
I received this report last month. Precise terms of reference were not laid down for its preparation since a survey of the general situation in the small farm counties was a normal part of the work of my Department's western regional office. The aim of the report is two-fold, firstly to present an appraisal of the factors which contribute to the low income position of farmers in the West of Ireland and, secondly, to review the operation of the pilot area programme during the five year period 1964-5 to 1969-70.
Will the report be published?
I have the report under consideration at present but I have not yet considered whether it will be published.
May I take it from the Minister's statement that he will study the report and that he will give special consideration to the problems of the small farmers in the West of Ireland?
That is being done.
Thank you.