Noel Coonan (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 2:

In page 9, paragraph (a), line 3, to delete "2" and substitute "one".

I tabled this amendment because I am concerned that horticulturalists may not be represented on the board. For example, somebody with experience of the food industry or a giant in the food industry could represent them on the board. If amendment No. 2 is accepted, section (14)(a) will state not less than one of the persons appointed to be an ordinary member shall be a person who is a practising horticulturalist.

It is essential this happens because we have seen the difficulties that have arisen with Teagasc. The unwritten policy within Europe seems to be to do away with all the smaller producers, if possible, because it is easier to handle the major producers. It is vital that a person who is a practising horticulturist is appointed to the board.