asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that three members of the Dairy Farmers' Association, who obtained a written release from their co-operative creamery to supply milk elsewhere, have been turned down by another co-operative creamery even though they use the services of its principal co-operative for AI and warble fly dressing; and if he will intervene to ensure that their milk will be taken, and that they will not be forced to spill it every day; and if these suppliers could go to a Dairy Disposal Board Creamery.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Acceptance of Milk Supplies.
28.
I do not know what cases the Deputy has in mind but I would point out that for many years past there has been a general understanding between creameries not to accept milk from each others' suppliers except by mutual consent. I do not intervene in this arrangement which is operated by the creameries themselves including those owned by the Dairy Disposal Company.
Is the Minister aware that despite his repeated pleas for unity among the farmers, the Mitchelstown Co-operative Committee have got together and prevented their colleagues from supplying milk to Mitchelstown creamery? Does the Minister not think it is a serious situation in that farmers who have got an official release from their own creamery cannot now supply anywhere else?
Does the Deputy not think that I have enough rows on my hands without getting into ones which do not concern me?
You are quite right.