asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if, since the publication of the report of the Committee on the Review of State Expenditure in relation to Agriculture, he has initiated discussions with any body or bodies in relation to it; if any decisions have been taken; and when the Government expects to be able to come to a final decision on the report.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Agricultural Expenditure.
43.
The views and recommendations contained in this report were discussed with farming organsations in the course of the annual review talks earlier this year. They have, of course, been taken into account in the shaping of agricultural policy generally during the last two years. However, as the Deputy is aware, the report was prepared at a time when there was no early prospect of this country becoming a member of the EEC and many of the recommendations made by the committee have now to be viewed in this different context.
Would the Minister agree that the specific recommendation in relation to the establishment of a comprehensive farm development scheme incorporating the various grants, such as the land project grant, the farm buildings grant, et cetera, has, in fact, gained heightened relevance in view of our entry into the EEC and would he not agree to take this particular recommendation out of turn and give it early consideration?
It is, in fact, receiving special attention. We had a short discussion on this and allied subjects in the House the other night and I think both sides recognise the validity of Deputy Bruton's point and the necessity to get on with this as quickly as possible.