asked the Minister for Agriculture the reason he disbanded the Wool Council; and the body that will carry out its functions in the future.
286.
Written Answers. - Wool Council.
285.
asked the Minister for Agriculture the details of any outstanding claims against the Wool Council; and the arrangements that will be made to pay these claims.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 285 and 286 together. An Comhairle Olla was dissolved because of the need for economy measures and because many of its functions had already been implemented.
The statutory functions under the Wool Marketing Act, 1968, including the enforcement of regulations governing the registration of wool buyers and the licensing of wool exporters, are being carried out now by my Department.
There are two outstanding claims against An Comhairle — one is sub judice and the other is by a former employee of An Comhairle regarding compensation arising from redundancy.
The Wool Marketing Bill, 1984, which has passed all stages in the Dáil, provides for justifiable claims being discharged by the Minister for Agriculture.