asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he has received representations from the farmers in Sherkin Island requesting the provision of a separating station on the island, and, if so, if he will have steps taken to accede to their request.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sherkin Island Separating Station.
Mr. Moylan
I have not received any representations in this matter but the position in regard to creamery facilities for Sherkin Island has been investigated from time to time during the past few years by the Dairy Disposal Company Limited, and as recently as a month ago a representative of the company discussed the matter fully with representatives of the islanders.
Unfortunately, the position still is that the milk supply available on the island is too low to warrant the considerable expenditure and uneconomic running cost which would be involved in the provision and operation of a cream-separating station on the island. If, however, the islanders themselves were prepared to transport their milk co-operatively to a convenient mainland point and organise a cartage system to convey the milk from there to the nearest creamery premises, by employing a local carter or otherwise, the company would assist them as far as possible in organising the mainland cartage system and would contribute towards its operating cost.
Seeing that the Dairy Disposal Board is not going to put itself out to do anything to facilitate these people, would the Minister consider, in view of the disadvantages the island people labour under, offering them a subsidy on their home produced butter to bring the price up to an economic level? I think that is the least he should do for the people living on that island.