Vol. 259 No. 10
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is satisfied that the Irish agricultural exhibit at the Paris Agricultural Show was adequate and satisfactory; if he is aware of criticism from any responsible quarter; if he will state the cost of staging the Irish exhibit; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
37.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will make a statement on certain public criticisms which have been directed against the Irish exhibit at the Paris Agricultural Show.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 37 together.
I have seen recent newspaper reports relating to the Irish agricultural exhibit at the Paris Agricultural Show. This exhibit was staged by Córas Beostoic agus Feola. It was not a general agricultural exhibit but was aimed specifically at the French market for Irish lamb. I understand from Córas Beostoic agus Feola that the cost of the exhibit was approximately £3,500 and that having regard to the number of inquiries received from European importers the exhibit was well worthwhile.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say how many inquiries were received?
I have not got the number.
The Parliamentary Secretary said: "Having regard to the number of inquiries received..." How many were received?
I was referring to the number of inquiries received by CBF. It was they who promoted the exhibit. The matter was entirely one for them and our information is that they were satisfied with the number of inquiries received.
But they do not know the number that were received?
They may know.
The Parliamentary Secretary should know.
No, it is their business.
In view of the press reports of severe criticism of the exhibit by a Deputy of this House who is a Member of the Parliamentary Secretary's party, can the Parliamentary Secretary say whether he received any representations from this Deputy on this matter?
I have no knowledge of any such representations but I would like to say that this exhibit was a first effort and was well worthwhile. I do not think anybody should belittle it in any way.
I did not belittle it.
It was Deputy Haughey who went to Paris. He could afford to go.
I would point out that there were favourable press reports as well as unfavourable ones.
As a matter of fact at the agricultural exhibition in Paris, which is one of the most important food fairs, there have been Irish exhibits down the years. The question the Minister was asked was whether he was satisfied that the Irish agricultural exhibit at the Paris agricultural show was adequate and satisfactory. Would the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that food fairs at agricultural shows are an extremely important part of agricultural promotion from the point of view of processed foods and would he not also agree that in the past, and right up to now, the level of Irish participation has been inadequate? Could we get an expression of intention now to the effect that there will be a greater expenditure of money and greater participation in what is a very important international shop window?
We have to be in the EEC to get full satisfaction.
In or out, we should get it.
