asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that most co-operative creameries are paying up to 3d per gallon more for skim milk to farmers than are the Dairy Disposal creameries; and what steps he proposes to take to rectify this situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Skim Milk Prices.
4.
The statement in the first part of the Deputy's question is not correct, according to my information.
The price which any creamery can afford to pay for skim milk is governed by the outlet which the creamery has for the product. Some of the larger co-operative creameries which have well-developed diversification activities are able to pay up to about 6d per gallon for skim milk but these creameries are in the minority, and some other co-operative creameries pay no more than 2d per gallon. Many creameries do not, of course, purchase skim milk at all from their suppliers. The average price paid for skim milk is about 3d per gallon and the Dairy Disposal Company's price is at that level.