asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the announcement made by him earlier this year in the Dáil, he will state (a) the number and location of cheese-making factories it is proposed to open in County Wexford, and (b) the date such factories may start production.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wexford Cheese Factories.
No doubt the reference in the first part of the Deputy's question is to the statement I made in the Dáil on 15th June last, as reported in columns 1799 and 1800 of Volume 121, No. 18 of Dáil Éireann Debates.
My proposal was subject to certain premises being placed at my disposal. No approach has been made by the owners of the premises in response to my offer and, therefore, no arrangements to establish cheese factories in them have been made.
Is the Minister aware that he gave a specific undertaking in the Dáil on the 15th June last to establish these factories in Wexford? Could he now say when he proposes to establish them and when they will be in production?
The Deputy's memory betrays him. I promised on that occasion that if the Shelbourne Co-operative Society which closed these premises down could be prevailed on by Deputy Allen to open them themselves or to give them to me, I would open them, and I assure the Deputy that if the Shelbourne Co-operative Society are too lazy or selfish to open them themselves, or to make them available to me, I will get other premises.
When?
When Deputy Allen tells me his friends have made up their minds to give up the dog-in-the-manager attitude about the premises there.
So long as you are opposing somebody you are happy.
Can the Minister state if any approach was made to the Shelbourne Co-operative Society by officers of the Dairy Disposals Board, who, he informed the House, would operate these cheese factories? Has any representation been made to the Shelbourne Co-operative Society by the Dairy Disposals Board or any of the officers of the Department for these premises?
The head officer of the Department, the Minister for Agriculture, approached Deputy Allen across the floor of the House and asked him about the Shelbourne Co-operative Society. Could anything be more public than that?
What has Deputy Allen to do with it?
Ask Deputy Allen.
I wish to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment.
The Chair already has had notice in regard to a previous question by Deputy Cogan, which has been accepted.
Well, to-morrow, then.