asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state whether any progress has been made in implementing his declared intention of bringing the activities of the Dairy Disposal Board to an end by transferring their interests to co-operative societies and what effort the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society is making to secure this end.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dairy Disposal Board.
I made it clear that if the farmers supplying milk to any creamery owned by the Dairy Disposal Company wished to take over the creamery, and form a co-operative society for that purpose, I was prepared to authorise the company to sell at a price which would enable the farmers to operate the creamery with a reasonable prospect of making a success of the venture. As a beginning, I informed the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society that two creamery groups owned by the company in County Cork were available for purchase by the local farmers. Negotiations for the purchase of one of these groups have now reached an advanced stage, but there appears to be no enthusiasm on the part of the local farmers to enter into negotiations for the purchase of the other group. Apart from the two instances I have mentioned, there appears to be only one other creamery group in the acquisition of which the suppliers have manifested any interest.
Is the Minister making it a condition that the farmers concerned will agree to purchase both groups?
No, any one group. I am most anxious and willing to complete arrangements for the transfer of the properties to any one group and there is no obligation on either group of the two at present under consideration to complete negotiations before the transfer to the other group is made.
Will the Minister say whether it is to the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society he has entrusted the task of organising the farmers concerned?
Yes.
In the event of failure to organise these farmers, will he indicate what purpose the organisation is now serving?
My information is that the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society has organised a co-operative society which at present is in negotiation with my Department for the acquisition of the creamery property. With regard to the other group, so far success has not attended their efforts but I have no doubt they are doing their best. I am quite well content to leave it in their competent hands in the belief that it will best be done by them.
When are we likely to know whether the effort in regard to one group is likely to be successful or otherwise?
I am virtually certain it will be successful. So far as I am concerned there will be no obstacle placed in the way.