asked the Taoiseach the amount of food imported for the 12 months ended 31 December 1987.

Imports of food for human consumption were provisionally valued at £722 million in 1987.

Arising from the Minister's reply, I am in the extraordinary position of protesting that the question was transferred from the Minister for Agriculture and Food to the Taoiseach's office, it is usually the other way round. What percentage of food, consumed as a whole, did the £722 million food imports represent?

Unfortunately I do not have that information but I will be glad to obtain those figures for the Deputy and pass them on.

May I ask the Minisster of State what is the Minister for Agriculture and Food doing to reverse this trend and to ensure that something is done to create employment by producing that food at home?

That is a separate question.

This is a statistical question.

It is a statistical question because it suits somebody to make it a statistical question. My question was originally addressed to the Minister for Agriculture and Food.

Would the Minister agree that the importation of £722 million worth of food into an agricultural country is totally unacceptable and would he further agree that present Government policy regarding agricultural education, training, research and development as it is at present outlined in a measure going through this House will make the situation worse?

That is a separate question.

May I ask the Taoiseach arising from——

On a point of order, I assume from your own position that my question is perfectly in order as you did not rule otherwise and I ask the Minister to reply.

I have indicated earlier to the House that the question is essentially statistical. If there are further questions required, they ought to be put down in relation to the subject matter.

Would the Taoiseach not agree since we are still importing £722 million worth of food his pretence at appointing a Minister for Food is an absolute fiasco and it is a disgrace?

Question No. 2. please.