Enda Kenny
Question:356 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if it is intended to restore Committees of Agriculture; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Committees of Agriculture.
I have no plans to restore County Committees of Agriculture. The Agriculture (Research, Training and Advice) Act, 1988, which dissolved the county committees of agriculture, provides for the establishment of committees to assist and advise Teagasc in relation to their activities.
Teagasc has set up four regional advisory councils and each county council is represented on an advisory council. This affords local authorities an opportunity of contributing to policy and operations in the agriculture and food industry. I understand the regional advisory councils are working satisfactorily.
The Local Government Act, 1991, provides that local authorities may establish committees to advise them on their functions or to perform such of their functions as they may delegate. Such committees could deal with agriculture related functions.