asked the Minister for Economic Planning and Development if he proposes to publish a White Paper on an expansion programme for agriculture.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers . - Agricultural Expansion .
24.
: It is not intended to publish a white paper solely in relation to an expansion programme for agriculture. Development plans for all sectors of the economy, including agriculture, are included in the documents prepared as part of the normal planning cycle which the Government have introduced.
The Government's recognition of the importance of agriculture was expressed in their pre-election manifesto which stated that agriculture could and should provide the main thrust for the recovery of the national economy. Policy options designed to secure its accelerated development are outlined in the forthcoming Green Paper. These will provide the basis for discussions of the changes that are now needed in order to expand agricultural output in the eighties and beyond.
The subsequent White Paper will take account of those discussions and consultations and indicate the policies to be pursued to achieve this objective.
: In regard to any further proposals which the Government have is the Minister satisfied that the present position is satisfactory in regard to arrangements made with the different Government Departments in relation to the development and expansion of a food processing industry in this country? Is he aware that there is dissatisfaction that this particular industry appears to come under the umbrella of too many people, all of whom have some responsibility and none of whom have absolute responsibility?
: First of all, the Government were not satisfied with the arrangements for the expansion of that industry. For instance, some of the negotiations for the recent agricultural price changes and so forth in Brussels centred about securing improved arrangements which would permit the greater processing of cattle in Ireland rather than simply exporting carcases. In regard to the question of the best organisational arrangements between Departments and so forth the Government are now satisfied that we have introduced, with the advent of my Department, arrangements for whatever degree of co-ordination or exchange of information is necessary to deal with anything of this nature.
: Is the Minister in a position to outline to the House who in fact has the actual responsibility for the development of our agricultural food processing industry? It is a simple reply.
: It is not, because the Deputy is talking about agriculture and he is talking about the food processing industry. We have a Minister for Industry, a Minister for Agriculture and a Minister for Economic Planning and Development. If the Deputy is interested in particular activities I could certainly arrange to tell him which Ministers have responsibility for them. In so far as there is any problem of overlap in co-ordination that can be effectively taken care of.
: The reason I am asking this is that the farming organisations came out with a very strong statement on this recently. There appears to be a lot of dissatisfaction.
(Interruptions.)
: The White Paper is necessary to show up this. I agree with Deputy Walsh's question.
: The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.