asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries whether, in view of his statement regarding the difficulty in reaching a decision on the question of island milk subsidies, he will now consider obtaining the advice of some organisation which would be conversant with the situation so as to enable him to come to a speedy decision on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Island Produced Milk Subsidies.
39.
I am not aware of any organisation which could usefully add to my knowledge of the difficulties and complexities of this problem.
In view of his inability to resolve this problem, would the Minister agree to refer it to such a body as the Dairy Disposal Board or, if he is not satisfied that the Dairy Disposal Board is a suitable body, would he outline the problems and complexities of this problem to me and I will probably be able to resolve it?
I might take the Deputy up on that offer.
This is a question that has been on the Paper for some time. Can the Minister say when a firm decision will be made? The Minister is now regarded, or is putting himself forward, as the saviour of the small farmers. Would he say now when this question that concerns island farmers will be resolved?
Would the Minister not at least treat this whole matter seriously and realise that the people are leaving these islands and that something should be done for them? It is not a case for smiling and laughing.
I am treating the matter seriously and I have already explained to Deputy Murphy that I am investigating the extent of the problem and possibilities of evolving some equitable way of dealing with it but it is not an easy matter. I do not think there is any particular urgency about it at this time of the year and I would hope to be able to come to some decision on it before the next season.
Would the Minister not agree that island farmers get none of the subvention that has been given towards the dairying industry? As the quantities of milk produced on the islands in the winter months is not great, I will be quite satisfied if the Minister will say that he will have this question resolved before the beginning of the next season. There would be no milk for sale on islands at this time but I am assuming that the Minister will have a definite proposal for the commencement of the next season.
I think I could undertake by 1st March of next year to have a proposal or a decision not to have any proposal.
Would the Minister mind repeating that?
We will come to some decision before 1st March.