An Bord Glas legislation and funding
O’Keeffe questioned the delay in legislation establishing An Bord Glas and asked about its funding. Kirk said its £168,000 allocation was spent, but related legislation remained under Government consideration.
I seem to recollect that 18 months or more ago the Government indicated their commitment to the horticultural industry by confirming that they were to establish An Bord Glas on a statutory basis. I asked about that legislation a number of times. What happened to it? Why was it not produced? Have the Government decided they have not the commitment they pretended to have? What amount was provided in last year's Estimates for An Bord Glas and what amount was actually expended?
Comment on this
The figure provided in the Estimates was £168,000 and naturally all that money was spent on the work of An Bord Glas. Legislation for the merger of ACOT and AFT and the debate about the establishment of Teagasc posed difficulties in relation to the legislation for An Bord Glas. The matter is still under consideration by the Government.