asked the Minister for Agriculture if his attention has been drawn to the statements of the secretary and other members of the executive of the Creamery Milk Suppliers' Association making it clear that their organisation is non-political and if, in view of this fact, he will now consent to meet their representatives in connection with the price of milk.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Creamery Milk Suppliers' Association.
My attention has been drawn to statements by the secretary and other members of the executive of the Creamery Milk Suppliers' Association alleging that their organisation is non-political and I am obliged to the Deputy for affording me this opportunity of saying that, these statements notwithstanding, I am satisfied that the campaign at present being conducted by this association is a Fianna Fáil racket. I understand the officers of this organisation are in touch with the Fianna Fáil Party for the purpose of organising a political campaign in the country allegedly on the subject of increased prices for creamery milk. Doubtless they have succeeded in misleading a certain number of bona fide farmers into joining their association on the false pretence that they are non-political and it may be as well that I should state categorically now that I regard them as a tendentious political racket, that I do not intend to discuss with that association any matters relating to the creamery industry or anything else, that I am discussing these matters with representatives of the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society and that I intend to continue doing so.
Is the Minister aware that his irresponsible and abusive attitude towards the representatives of a vocational organisation which represents the most important industry in the country is calculated to do immeasurable harm to agricultural production and the economic welfare of this country? Is it not time the Minister grew up and acquired some sense of responsibility?
I am aware that the representative character of this organisation is typified by the fact that Mr. Fletcher is a saw-mill proprietor and the general secretary, Mr. Barry, I understand, an old age pension investigator.
And a farmer.
I believe that Mr. Fletcher has parliamentary ambitions for Mr. Cole's seat in County Cavan, and I wish him luck in his political ventures, but if he imagines that he is going to use me or any other responsible person to prop up his rather futile political ambitions, he has another "think" coming.
You would want the Hibernians for that.
Rest assured that the Hibernians will never vote for Fletcher.
The most corrupt body the country ever saw.