Farm Modernisation Scheme aid for dairying
Bruton pressed Wilson to oppose proposed limits on dairy investment after 1 January 1980 and asked whether the Agriculture Minister would use a veto. Wilson said the Minister would seek modifications to prevent a brake on dairying, but gave no explicit veto commitment; Bruton remained doubtful the steps would be adequate.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he accepts the EEC Commission proposal that aid under the Farm Modernisation Scheme be made available to dairy farmers after 1 January 1980 only in very limited circumstances and when a decision in the matter will be taken.
Comment on this
As I have already indicated in the Council, I cannot accept the EEC Commission proposal to restrict investment in dairying and I will be pressing for appropriate modifications to ensure that investment in this key sector of our agriculture is not impeded.
Comment on this
Will the Minister give an assurance that in the event of this matter being pressed to a decision by the Commission, in view of the importance of the dairying industry to Ireland and particularly to small farmers, he will be prepared to use his veto?
Comment on this
I take it that the Deputy is anxious that the Minister should use his veto in a certain eventuality and I shall convey his strong feelings to the Minister for Agriculture.
Comment on this
Has the Minister any idea of what the Minister for Agriculture's feelings are in the matter?
Comment on this
He is totally dedicated to the idea that there should be no brake put on the development of the dairying industry.
Comment on this
Therefore, the Minister cannot say whether the Minister for Agriculture would be prepared to use the veto.
Comment on this
The Minister will be acquainted with the Deputy's strong views. Though I am not an amateur psychologist I am sure those views correspond with the views of the Minister who I am sure, will take all the steps necessary to ensure that the dairying industry is not impeded.
Comment on this
Since the Minister for Education is answering for the Minister for Agriculture, one would have assumed that he would have had means other than psychology of knowing what his colleague intended to do.
Comment on this
I have read the brief and I have stated categorically that the Minister says he will be pressing for appropriate modifications to ensure that investment in this key sector of our agriculture is not impeded. Clear words do not need interpretation.