(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Agriculture the present position regarding the publication of the National Plan for Agriculture, a report on which was submitted to him some time ago by the group appointed for the purpose.

I will decide on publication of the report received from the working group in the light of the progress being made in the negotiations on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy.

(Limerick West): The Minister's reply is very negative. Is the Minister aware of the importance of the promotion of a proper development plan for agriculture irrespective of the decision taken by the EEC? Is he aware that many of the decisions taken by him, his Department and the Government have followed on decisions taken by the EEC with regard to the Farm Modernisation Scheme and the intervention payments? A proper positive development plan based on a four to six year period is necessary to remove the uncertainty which is prevailing in agriculture and to ensure that our farmers can plan for future development?

It is a very good plan but it needs a great deal of examination. At present it is before the Government. It will be some time before it is published. That is the four year plan. The Deputy asked about a national plan for agriculture. It is most likely that the four year plan which was submitted to my Department and is now being studied by the Government will be augmented by other national studies and strengthened and reinforced by other national studies to produce a comprehensive overall plan for agriculture for the future. It has been submitted to the Government for approval to publish it on the basis that the precise timing for publication should be decided in the light of progress in the negotiations on the proposed milk super-levy and reform of the Common Agricultural Policy.

(Limerick West): Surely the Minister is aware that this report was ready for implementation by the Government at the end of 1982. It is now time for action to implement the plan.

It came out in 1983. There was an interim report in 1982 and the final report was sent to me later in October 1983.

How can the Minister be serious about this plan when the Government have cut Farm Modernisation Scheme expenditure by 40 per cent since they took office?

Before it is announced will the Minister recognise the plight and the problems of the small farmers?

When exactly did the Minister send the report which he received towards the end of 1983 to the Cabinet? Have there been discussions at Cabinet level on it? Have there been representations from Ministers to the Department? When does the Minister hope the Cabinet will finally decide on it?

I do not think I could reveal that information to the House. It has been before the Government for some time.

Is the Minister not aware of when he sent it to the Cabinet?

It has been before the Cabinet for some time.

I do not think there can be any serious national disclosures on this plan in the Minister's brief which have not been published in the papers already.

(Limerick West): The implementation of the plan is what we require.

This is another cop out.

Why do people have to be so frivolous?

Order please.