Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Nov 1925

Vol. 13 No. 2

CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CONDENSED MILK COMPANY.

asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that a considerable sum of money, the produce of the sale of butter by the workers who were in illegal possession of the creameries of the Condensed Milk Company of Ireland in 1922, has been or is at present under the control of his Department or of some parties who have negotiated with the Department with regard to the disposal of this sum; if he is aware that the farmer suppliers who sent milk to those creameries for a time, in ignorance of the position existing in the creameries at the time, but who ceased supplying as soon as they found out that the workers had no legal authority for taking over the creameries, claim that they are entitled to a portion, if not all, of the money now available, and if he will see that any such sum of money under his control is not disposed of until an opportunity has been given to any parties interested to state their claims; if he will state the total amount of money from this source at present available, and in whose hands it is at present held.

The sum of £6,015 5s., portion of the moneys to which the Deputy appears to refer, has been paid to me by way of off-set against compensation paid from Public Funds under the Damage to Property (Compensation) Acts, 1923 and 1924. The total amount of compensation awarded to the Condensed Milk Company was £57,597 17s., all of which has been paid with the exception of £15,978 9s., which is subject either to a reinstatement condition or to the receipt of the necessary report or decree in my Department. I am aware that representations have been made on behalf of certain farmers in connection with this money, but I do not agree with the suggestion that the farmers were unaware of the position existing in the creameries at the time. I cannot give any undertaking such as that suggested by the Deputy in the third part of his question, and I regret that I cannot see my way to furnish any information regarding any money other than that which will be accounted for by my Department in the ordinary way.

I would like to ask the Minister if there is legal authority for his Department to retain this money and place it against the compensation awarded by the Compensation Commission. I would also suggest to him that it is not unreasonable, in view of the claims which the farmers make, that any information at the disposal of the Minister should be placed at the disposal of the farmers.

My answer to the question is yes. I do not think that I need answer the suggestion.

Top
Share