asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that the price of milk being sold at Muckross Farm, Killarney to the workers in the National Park is being increased and that it is proposed to discontinue all such milk sales as from 9th July, 1973; and if, in view of the increase in the cost of living that this will mean to the workers, he will withdraw the instructions given.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Killarney Farm Milk Prices.
36.
Mr. Kenny
I am so aware. The sale of milk at the Bourn Vincent Memorial Park is being discontinued because, as stated in the notice issued to customers, it is contrary to the policy of the Department of Health to supply unpasteurised milk for human consumption. The recent price increase to five pence per pint for milk sold at the park brings it into line with the price ruling in the locality. I am not prepared to withdraw the instructions given for the increase to five pence per pint or for discontinuance of supplies for human consumption as from 9th July, 1973.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the workers who are getting the milk were satisfied with the quality of it and want to get it now as they always got it?
Mr. Kenny
Is the Deputy suggesting that I should jeopardise the health of the employees of the board by selling them milk that is a menace to their health?
(Interruptions.)
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the workers in the National Park are satisfied that there is no health hazard at all? Is he aware also that unpasteurised milk is sold throughout the country at present? Is this an effort on the part of the Office of Public Works to increase the cost of living for the workers in the National Park, Killarney?
Mr. Kenny
It may increase the cost of living for them but which is preferable health or wealth?
(Interruptions.)
Would the Parliamentary Secretary say——
Mr. Kenny
I cannot hear the Deputy.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary say——
This should be the Deputy's final supplementary on this matter. We must move on.
One final question. Could the Parliamentary Secretary say whether in the past 20 or 30 years any member of the staff of the Board of Works in Killarney or any member of their families suffered at all as a result of the milk which they got in the National Park?
Mr. Kenny
If I were in Killarney I could tell the Deputy that, but I am not.
Ceist a 37.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary look into the matter again?
Mr. Kenny
If the Deputy raises a specific question with me, I shall go into details. I cannot tell the Deputy about the personal health of everybody employed in the park in Killarney.
I have given the Deputy a good deal of latitude on this matter. Could he please respect the Chair and allow us to make some further progress with questions?
Would the Parliamentary Secretary be prepared to reconsider the position and allow these workers to buy the milk again as they have been doing for the past 30 or 40 years?
Mr. Kenny
The conditions under which they are employed do not give them any right to buy the milk and in the interests of the health of the employees the Department of Health have issued regulations stopping the supply of non-pasteurised milk.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary then be prepared to increase the workers' wages to compensate them——
I have called Question No. 37 and the Chair must be obeyed. Would the Parliamentary Secretary please answer the question called?