andMr. Brosnan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware of the complaints by producers and others engaged in the wool trade concerning the failure of An Chomhairle Olla to provide adequate and up-to-date information on policy, prices, market outlets, et cetera; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I was not aware of any such complaints until officers of my Department met in the past week the Irish Wool Federation who expressed a desire for more regular contact and consultation between the federation and An Chomhairle Olla on such matters as market outlets and price reports. Their views have been brought to the notice of An Chomhairle but this could also have been done through their representatives on An Chomhairle.

The complaint came from the Irish Wool Federation and not from the producers?

I was not aware of any such complaints until officers of my Department met in the past week the Irish Wool Federation who expressed a desire for more regular contact and consultation between the federation and An Chomhairle Olla on such matters as market outlets and price reports. Their views have been brought to the notice of An Chomhairle but this could also have been done through their representatives on An Chomhairle.