asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries whether any decision has yet been taken regarding the future of a dairy industry in Limerick (name supplied).
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Limerick Dairy Industry.
41.
This matter is still under examination.
Is the Minister aware that this matter has been under consideration by a semi-State body under the aegis of his Department for the past two years? This industry has been in operation since 1928 but has been rapidly going down the hill. Nobody knows what is going to happen. The Dairy Disposal Company, the body involved, have done absolutely nothing. Would the Minister get after them to try to do something to put this industry into some kind of shape?
If it is any consolation to the Deputy, I can tell him that, apart from the discussions that took place some time ago, as indicated by my colleague, the Minister for Education, between the various Departments and State boards having an interest in this matter—these include the Dairy Disposal Company, the IDA, the Departments of Industry and Commerce and Labour and my own Department—in addition, we have had the Dairy Disposal Company bring in a firm of consultants who are at present preparing a report of their investigations as to what we can do about the future of this industry in Limerick.
Would the Minister ask the Dairy Disposal Company to afford me the courtesy of keeping me informed of developments, in view of the fact that 12 months ago I did a detailed examination of this industry and submitted a long memorandum to the company? Since then I have heard nothing from them.
The only thing I can say is that, if you have any difficulty keeping up with what is going on down there, I will be quite happy to furnish you with the necessary information any time you request it.
Particularly in the next month.
Absolutely.