asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state (a) how many members there are on each of the regional wages boards and how they are appointed; (b) the number of employers' representatives on these boards who are regular employers of two or more hired agricultural workers; and (c) the number of workers' representatives who are genuine agricultural employees.

There are five agricultural wages area committees consisting of 12, 16, 14, 16, and 10 ordinary members respectively. In addition, the chairman of the board acts as chairman of each area committee. The ordinary members of each area committee are appointed in accordance with the provisions of Section 4 of the Agricultural Wages Act, 1936. As regards the information asked for in the second and third parts of the question, all representatives on the area committees are persons who have been recommended to me as qualified to represent agricultural workers and employers respectively.

Will the Minister say if the chairman of the board is appointed by himself?

Yes.

Is the salary fixed by the Minister for Finance on the recommendation of the Minister for Agriculture?

Yes.

Is the Minister answerable to this House for the action and activities of the chairman?

I do not know about that point. Maybe I am.

If that is the position would you mind stating to the Ceann Comhairle that it is so.

I do not know. Perhaps it is.

He has refused to accept a question tabled by me on the grounds that you are not responsible.

The Ceann Comhairle knows his own business best.

Will the Minister say who recommended these persons?

Fianna Fáil, of course.

Not in all cases.