(Cavan) asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries whether he received an application from a group of creameries for a licence to establish a factory to process skim milk in County Cavan; and if, in view of the fact that there is a considerable surplus of such milk in the area, he will grant a licence at an early date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cavan Milk Processing Factory.
31.
I received such an application but I am not yet in a position to announce my decision on it.
(Cavan) Is the Minister aware that there are something like 12 million gallons of surplus skim milk in the area of influence of the creameries concerned and that that milk is going to loss, so far as the farmers are concerned? Is the Minister further aware that these creameries have been working on this project for the past two years? Can the Minister say when he will be in a position to give a decided answer?
Everyone wants to have a skim milk factory in his backyard, but I have to have regard to the overall situation. We are endeavouring to plan the development of the processing industry in a rational and logical manner. I am not yet in a position to give a decision on this application.
(Cavan) Arising out of the Taoiseach's announcement in Carlow that it was proposed to establish a casein factory in this country, can the Minister give us any indication as to whether this casein factory will be sited in Cavan?
I cannot give any such indication.
Would the Fine Gael Party agree to that?
(Cavan): Of course they would. Would the Minister agree that it is very frustrating for this group of creameries to be working on this project for the past two years and to be endeavouring to get a decision from the Minister, and to be put off from time to time by himself and an organisation influenced by him?
In case there is any misapprehension about that last remark by the Deputy I feel sure the Deputy is referring to the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society.
(Cavan): The Minister seems to know.