asked the Minister for Agriculture the total amount of transfers received by the agricultural sector from the EC and the Exchequer for the latest available year for which this information is available; and if he is of the view that such transfers are being used in the most effective manner.

As set out in the pre-budget tables 1986, State expenditure in relation to agriculture and receipts from FEOGA in 1985 are provisionally put at £1,222 million. My Department are constantly seeking ways of operating our agricultural arrangements in a more cost-effective manner so as to ensure that farmers derive the greatest benefit from these large expenditures.

Could the Minister say whether employment is increasing or decreasing in Irish agriculture?

That is a separate question.

Would the Minister accept that employment in agriculture is decreasing and that expenditure is increasing?

There is a natural decrease in the number of people working on the land, which is the same in every country. I would need notice of a separate question to give the Deputy details of the trend in employment in the agri-business generally.'

With respect, having given a figure of £1.2 billion going into the industry would the Minister consider what I am trying to establish is that the employment return, the number of jobs created in agriculture, by virtue of that kind of investment is not satisfactory? Therefore, what this country now needs is an agricultural plan to try to bring the jobs forward in that industry. For £1.2 billion we should be getting more jobs.

There may well be more jobs but I would need specific notice of that question in order to give the Deputy a job count. If the Deputy puts down a question I would be only too glad to give him the information he is seeking.

With respect, we are discussing £1.2 billion in agriculture. The Minister should be aware of the employment implications from that kind of investment. I am putting it to the Minister that employment is decreasing in an industry in which we are vastly increasing expenditure.'

There are two distinct areas. One is the employment on the farm. Employment on the land decreases year by year. The other is employment in agri-related industries. I would need a specific question to answer that.

The Deputy should put down a separate question.

(Limerick West): While the trend is downward with regard to farm employment, the reduced number are producing a greater amount because of modern technology.

Of course. You have fewer people producing greater quantities.

There are jobs to be created in agriculture.

Nobody would deny that at all.