Vol. 397 No. 3
15 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the derogatory comments by the chairperson of Teagasc concerning the staff of that body (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.
36 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if representations have been made to him concerning the position and/or behaviour of the chairperson of Teagasc; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 36 together.
As I indicated in reply to a question on 30 November 1989, I have seen a press report of the matter referred to. I recently received from the MSF Union the terms of a motion passed at their annual general meeting calling on me to remove the chairman of Teagasc from office. I do not propose to take this action.
Has the chairman referred to in the question been given a clear brief as to his duties? Is the Minister aware of direct, immediate and unhelpful interference by the chairman in the day-to-day running of the minutiae of Teagasc.
The standard contact which the Minister in any Department has is with the authority responsible. I wish to remind the House that at their meeting on 29 February the Teagasc Authority recorded their complete support for the chairman which has been communicated to me.
There does not seem to be a brief, guidelines or job description for the chairman. As a result I would describe his activity as running wild and going far beyond the normal brief of a chairman of such a board. Will the Minister examine the matter and, if necessary, confine the chairman to his brief?
In any discussions I have had with the chairman, director and indeed the board of Teagasc — which I have met on a number of occasions — I have received nothing but the fullest co-operation. I am confident that the chairman, director and the board will implement the priorities which I laid down for them in the legislation. I am satisfied that those priorities are clearly defined and are being adhered to. However, we will remain in regular contact and we can meet more often if necessary.
Is the Minister aware that the chairman of the policy making body for this area is interfering in technical research matters about which he knows nothing, is causing havoc as far as staff relations are concerned and impeding progress which the body could make?
Comments of that nature are not helpful.
Do something about it.
Were the criteria defined by the Minister for the running of Teagasc organised on the basis of funds being reduced by 43 per cent? Has this kind of problem occurred because the chairman and members of the board are under so much strain?
I do not accept that.
In view of the fact that the Minister made the appointment of the chairman of Teagasc, will he indicate whether he agrees with the remarks he made in relation to the staff at Teagasc?
It is not the function of the Minister to respond to the implications in the Deputy's statement.
