asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware of the grave hardship and inconvenience caused to many farmers in West Cork by the discontinuance of the Dairy Disposal Board travelling creamery service in some districts over the winter period; and, if so, what proposals, if any, he has in mind to compensate those farmers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - West Cork Travelling Creamery Service.
Mr. Walsh
The answer to the first part of the Deputy's question is in the negative. I am informed by the Dairy Disposal Company that the milk supplies to some of the travelling creameries in the West Cork area had, as is usual at this time of the year, dwindled to such a point that it was found necessary to discontinue operating those vehicles as from the 1st January last. It had been intended to resume operations by the 1st February, if the milk supply had by then sufficiently improved. There are, of course, a number of other travelling creameries in West Cork which are not taken off during the winter period.
Having regard to the exceptional circumstances obtaining in areas such as those and having regard to the many disadvantages under which small farmers labour in these districts, would the Minister not consider the subsidising of creamery services warranted?
Mr. Walsh
No.
Is it the Minister's belief that the small farmers in these districts can live on fresh air? From where will they get a living?