asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware of the grave inconvenience caused to milk producers in the Brade, Kilfadeen and Shepparton districts owing to the distance they are removed from the creamery; and, if so, if he will take steps to ensure that a travelling creamery will be provided in the area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Milk Producers.
Mr. Walsh
The answer to the first part of the question is "No" and the second part of the question does not therefore arise.
The Deputy does not give the name of the creamery to which he refers, but if, as seems likely, it is the property of one of the local co-operative societies, I would suggest that the farmers concerned should make representations to the appropriate society with a view to arranging for the collection of their milk supplies or, alternatively, that the farmers themselves should arrange for the co-operative conveyance of their combined milk supplies to the nearest creamery premises as is done to advantage in many other areas.
Is the Minister not aware that travelling creamery facilities are available in areas contiguous to this district and if the Dairy Disposal Board extended their operations to include the districts mentioned in the question, which are only four or five miles from where the nearest travelling creameries are located, that would satisfy the position?
Mr. Walsh
I think these areas that have been mentioned in the question are in the area covered by co-operative creameries already.
They are within three miles.
Mr. Walsh
It does not matter what the distance is, if they are already in the areas covered by co-operative societies.
They are partly in, in certain areas. About 10 per cent. of the people concerned are giving milk to co-operative societies.
Mr. Walsh
If they are in the co-operative society's area, it would be encroaching on their supplies.
Would the Minister make representations to the chairman or secretary of the Dairy Disposal Board with a view to——
Mr. Walsh
No.