asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware of the concern of creamery managers regarding the proposed rationalisation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Creamery Rationalisation Programme.
29.
I have stressed repeatedly the need for a speeding up of creamery rationalisation and at my instigation legislation has been enacted to enable amalgamations of co-operative creameries to be effected by a simple majority of members instead of the 75 per cent majority previously required. In the case of the Dairy Disposal Company I have approved of the transfer of a number of the company's creamery groups to co-operative ownership in furtherance of rationalisation plans.
Rationalisation of the creamery industry is, however, primarily a matter for the co-operative movement itself and in order to encourage progress in that direction I recently had a discussion with a number of the larger societies in the southern area and the IAOS. The societies concerned and the IAOS are now considering further how best rationalisation might be expedited in present circumstances and they are to have another meeting with me.
As regards the position of creamery managers I understand that where rationalisation takes place those responsible for the interests of managers and workers ensure that their interests are protected in any amalgamation of co-operative societies. Where the Dairy Disposal Company are involved it is a condition of any transfer to co-operative ownership that the position of managers and workers is safeguarded adequately.
Is the Minister satisfied with the progress made to date in the rationalisation of the creamery industry?
It is improving, but I am not satisfied.
I was rather amazed to notice the questioner's interest in the future of the creamery managers apropos the rationalisation of the industry. Has it not been made perfectly clear that both workers and management will not be reduced either in terms of status or salary as a result of a rationalised industry?
It would not be rationalisation at all if the well-being of the workers in the industry was not taken into consideration: to do otherwise would be a negation of rationalisation.
Is the Minister satisfied that he has the full co-operation of the creamery managers in regard to rationalisation of the industry, particularly the creamery managers in the Dairy Disposal Company?
It is difficult to generalise on this particular question but I am sure that creamery managers would be conscious of the vital importance of rationalisation to the country and to the milk producers and that they would put this consideration before any personal one.
If the Minister examines the matter he will find that the co-operation of the managers is not forthcoming.