ACOT budgets and adviser pay
Byrne sought ACOT’s 1982 adviser-pay figures and its 1982 and 1983 budgets; Connaughton gave the budget totals but said the pay data were still being compiled. The exchange also covered ACOT’s staff scheme and an alleged go-slow, which the Minister said he would follow up.
asked the Minister for Agriculture (1) the total money paid to ACOT advisers for the year 1982, excluding clerical staff, CAO's and deputy CAO's; (2) the total budget for ACOT in 1982; and (3) the total budget for ACOT for 1983.
Comment on this
The information sought at (1) is not readily available. It is being compiled and I will have it furnished to the Deputy shortly.
The figures sought at (2) and (3) are £22.03 million and £24.53 million respectively.
Comment on this
This is a slur on the farming community. This motion was tabled a week or more ago and I cannot see why the full information is not available.
Comment on this
A question — whatever they are. We are trying to get information in view of the Taoiseach's statement at long last after the budget has been passed that no other section of the community would have remained so quiet over the last five years with such a drastic reduction in their incomes. It is a disgrace that we cannot get this information.
Comment on this
Is the Minister worried or does he agree? I put a question a while ago and he did not reply to it. We have the situation where the ACOT committees have not got the requisite funds. Will they have to let off their staffs because they cannot pay them or is the Minister worried about them? Last week the Minister for Agriculture——
Comment on this
I apologise first of all for the information not being available. I understand it takes two weeks to compile the figures required. There are 27 offices around the country and salary, travelling expenses, PRSI contributions and so on have to be checked and correlated.
Comment on this
Is there a go-slow also in ACOT, because the staff scheme has not yet been agreed upon? What is the up-to-date position?
Comment on this
I am not aware that there is a go-slow. It has not been brought to my attention. I have no up-to-date information on the staff scheme but I will be in touch with the Deputy about it.
Comment on this
Is the Minister aware of the importance of the establishment of that staff scheme and, if so, will he insist that in the interests of agriculture, it be agreed upon immediately?
Comment on this
I accept that the staff scheme is extremely important and everything possible is being done to rectify this matter.