asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he has any proposals for a grants scheme to boost milk production.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Milk Production Grants.
43.
Deliveries of milk to creameries have increased steadily since 1959 and it is expected that the increase this year will be the highest ever recorded. This expansion in production shows the effectiveness of existing schemes and arrangements for supporting the milk price and for encouraging the production of quality milk.
As has already been announced I am discussing with the National Agricultural Council the outlines of a new scheme designed to give potentially viable farms the opportunity and incentive to increase output and income. This scheme, which I hope to introduce shortly, will, of course, benefit the smaller dairy farmers.
(Cavan): Does that mean the Minister is discussing it with himself?
No; I have not the Deputy's habit of talking to myself.
(Cavan): That is exactly what the Minister said he was doing.
It may sound like that to the Deputy, who is not very perceptive in certain respects.
(Cavan): Is it not a fact that the Minister is dealing with a body of which he himself is chairman?
What has that to do with it? Has the Deputy never been chairman of some group or other? Does he regard the group as counting for nothing except himself? I am not as bigheaded as that.