asked the Minister for Agriculture whether, in view of the failure of Drinagh Co-operative Society to give adequate facilities to Akista area, he will request the Dairy Disposals Board to give effective service to this large milk-producing area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - West Cork Creamery Facilities.
Mr. Walsh
I do not accept the Deputy's contention that the Drinagh society is not prepared to assist the farmers in the Akista district by providing local creamery facilities. The position is that the society has in recent months made an effort to establish a local cartage system as is done to advantage by farmers in many other districts. The society has actually offered suitable carts to the farmers and negotiations in the matter are still proceeding.
The Minister must be completely misinformed. The Drinagh Co-operative Society made an offer to put in a hand-separator but the people of the area will not accept that offer. In view of the fact that the Drinagh Co-operative Society are not prepared to give adequate facilities in this respect, will the Minister make arrangements with the Dairy Disposals Board so that the diminishing butter supply will not suffer in that area?
Mr. Walsh
In recent months the society has made an effort to establish a local cartage system. Such a system has been an advantage to farmers in many other districts.