asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that during the week ending Saturday, 18th April, there was a considerable shortage of butter and dripping in Dublin; and if he will state what is being done to secure and safeguard future supplies.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Butter and Dripping Supplies.
Mr. Byrne
I am aware that there was some scarcity of creamery butter in Dublin last week. Butter is always scarce at this time of the year when cold-stored stocks are nearing exhaustion and current production is not quite sufficient to meet requirements. The position is improving rapidly and should be normal within a week or ten days.
I am not aware that there was any exceptional shortage of dripping in Dublin during the week in question, but no doubt the temporary shortage of butter during that week may have resulted in an increased demand for other fats, including dripping.
Mr. Byrne
Is the Minister aware that there were queues for butter this morning almost as large as the queues for bread?
I did not hear that.
Mr. Byrne
Will the Minister send round an inspector to make inquiries? A number of Ministers who live on the outskirts can see these queues when coming into town. Anybody who wants to see them can see them.
Anybody who wants to see them can see them.
Mr. Byrne
Ministers should not shut their eyes to the trouble.