asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that attempts are being made to dispose of the creameries in the Dicksgrove group, County Kerry, now the property of the Dairy Disposals Company, to a co-operative society in the area, and that this action is contrary to the wishes of at least 75 per cent. of the milk suppliers; and, if so, if he will take such action as is necessary to ensure that the wishes of the majority are complied with.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Kerry Creameries.
I have made it clear on several occasions that if a substantial number of milk suppliers to any of the creamery groups held by the Dairy Disposal Company forms a co-operative society under the auspices of the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society for the purpose of taking over and operating the group I am prepared to enter into negotiations for the sale of the group on terms which will give the co-operative society a reasonable prospect of making a success of the venture. There has been no change in that policy. So far as the Dicksgrove group is concerned, I am informed that a co-operative society representing a substantial number of the local milk suppliers has been formed in accordance with these provisos, with the object of taking over the group, and representations have been made to me that steps can now be taken to transfer the group to that society. I recently informed the society, through the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society, that I am now prepared to enter into negotiations for the sale of the group on terms to be arranged.
Is the Minister aware that the society he refers to comprises only 20 per cent. of the milk suppliers, that they are a minority group who are foisting their programme on the majority and, in these circumstances, will the Minister tolerate that kind of procedure?
The Deputy will understand that I would be more than human if I did not appreciate this emphatic preference for administration of the group by my Department rather than by a co-operative society. As I understand the policy approved by this House, it is that the co-operative movement should operate the dairy industry of this country and it is in conformity with that policy that I have expressed my readiness to transfer this group to an approved co-operative society.
May I ask——
Question No. 9.
May I say, Sir, that if Deputy Flynn or any other Deputy wishes to interview me personally about the matter, I am at his disposal?