asked the Minister for Agriculture if his attention has been drawn to the shortage of agricultural instructors in County Galway and the plans, if any, to have the number increased.

I am aware that the County Galway Committee of Agriculture recently sought approval to appoint six additional instructors in agriculture. A committee, representative of chief agricultural officers and officers of my Department, have been reviewing the staffing requirements of all committees of agriculture and I expect to have its report very soon. Until the report is received and considered, I cannot say what the outcome of the request by the County Galway Committee of Agriculture may be.