asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will publish the Cashman Report on the Agricultural Research and Advisory Services; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

49.

(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Agriculture if he has received the report on co-ordination of the working of An Foras Talúntais and of ACOT; and, if so, whether and when he intends to make the report public.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 49 together.

The report is being published this week and copies have today been presented to the House. Publication is being made without commitment by the Government to the implementation of the recommendations in the report.

Can the Minister explain how the report happened to be reported widely in the press before being circulated to Members of this House?

That was unwise. The report was placed in the Library of the House only today. It will be published tomorrow.

Can the Minister confirm that only his Department had access to the report and would he be prepared to carry out an investigation as to where the leak emanated from?

There would have been copies other than those in my Department.

Is the Minister prepared to say who else had copies?

I would not care to give that information. I have the highest regard for the members of the committee. They have done an excellent job.

Is the Minister blaming the committee for the leak?

No.