Vol. 268 No. 8
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if, in view of the fact that some county committees of agriculture are not getting sufficient money to finance their operations from the maximum rate of 15p in the pound rates, he will state the action he is taking to help those committees in the coming year.
45.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is considering a new method of financing county committees of agriculture; and, if so, if he will make a statement on the matter.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 45 together.
I am considering the whole question of the future financing of the committees of agriculture particularly in relation to those committees which have already reached or are approaching, the present permitted maximum rate contribution of 15p in the £. I will let the committees know my decision in the matter in due course.
Is the Minister considering a new system of financing committees of agriculture or will it still come out of the rates?
I have not finally decided as yet.
When is it expected that the decision will be made?
Fairly soon, I hope. I cannot put days on it.
Would the Minister put it in weeks?
As the Deputy knows, it is not easy to confine oneself.
