asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food in respect of the State agencies directly under his aegis, the action which they have taken to establish a five year development plan to develop overseas services on a consultancy basis relating to the skills and experience of the State agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter indicating (a) the number of contracts, if any, which have been obtained and (b) the approximate value of the work which has been obtained.
Written Answers. - State Agencies Overseas Services.
98.
An Chomhairle Oiliúna Talmhaíochta and An Foras Talúntais were the only bodies under my control involved to a limited extent in overseas consultancy projects. Following the amalgamation of these bodies and the establishment of Teagasc it is the intention of the new Authority that these activities will be actively developed in co-operation with other State agencies.
Six contracts were obtained during 1987 and 1988 with an approximate value of £300,000.