asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that there are large tracts of country in County Clare where farmers are very adversely affected because of the fall in the price of farmers' butter; if, in view of the long distances separating some of these districts from central or auxiliary creameries, he has made inquiries as to the possibility of putting travelling creameries into service in these districts; if he has been informed that the Dairy Disposal Company is not in a position to meet all demands for travelling creameries and if he has communicated any proposals for interim schemes, to meet the difficulty, to the parties concerned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Travelling Creameries (Clare).
In any instance where representations have been made to me regarding the lack of creamery facilities in County Clare, I have asked the Dairy Disposal Company to investigate the matter. The company has already carried out a series of surveys of the county, and as a result two additional travelling creameries have been provided, and a further travelling creamery is in course of construction.
The Deputy will appreciate that there are districts in which it would not be feasible to operate travelling creameries either because of the inadequacy of the milk supplies available or the unsuitability of the roads. If, however, the Deputy will specify the districts he has in mind, I will see that the conditions in those districts are specially examined.
The recent Order made by the Government which permits owners of motor vehicles although not holding merchandise licences to convey milk for reward to creameries during the period ending on the 30th September next should also facilitate the collection of milk and I would strongly urge milk producers in areas remote from creameries to avail of this concession.
In the interim, while we are waiting for such facilities, would the Minister consider subsidising the production of farmers' butter, so as to make it an economic proposition for those who cannot carry milk to the creameries or get facilities to do so?
In no circumstances would I consider recommending to the Government the subsidisation of the production of farmers' butter, but I would ask the Deputy to help me by directing the attention of his neighbours to the fact that they may now avail of any tractor or lorry or other conveyance belonging to any of their neighbours to get their milk hauled into town on a share basis and they can pay their neighbours a fair fee for doing it. I suggest to him, if that is availed of, the greater part of the difficulties of people in remote areas can be effectively overcome.
The Minister will understand that unless that is organised by some Department it will fail. The people will not start an organisation. What is everybody's duty is nobody's duty. Therefore, the responsibility falls on the Minister to initiate it.
I am happy to reassure the Deputy that a new spirit is abroad amongst the agricultural community and they are now ready and willing to look after themselves.