Captain BROWNasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what is the average attendance of members of the Agricultural Council of Ireland, whether their debates are officially reported; what is the number of permanent officials employed in connection with this council; and what sum cart be estimated as being the total annual-cost of this body to the taxpayer?
1237W
Mr. BARRIEThe average attendance of members of the Council of Agriculture (based upon the figures for the past four years) is sixty-eight. The discussions of the council are open to the public and are reported at considerable length in the daily Press. An official report of the proceedings is also taken. There are no permanent or other officials employed in connection with the Council under Section 24 of the Agricultural and Technical Act. The Department assign to one of their senior permanent officials the duty of acting as secretary to the council, but no remuneration attaches to the post. Members attending the meetings are paid second-class railway travelling and subsistence allowance.