asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries his plans for the re-organisation and development of the Condensed Milk Company in Limerick; and if it is proposed to operate it on a co-operative basis.
3.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Condensed Milk Company.
2.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the up-to-date position regarding the proposal for the extension of the Condensed Milk Company to Cratloe, County Clare.
5.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the future prospects of a confectionery business (name supplied) in Limerick.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 2, 3 and 5 together.
I have been actively examining the position in regard to the future of the Dairy Disposal Company's properties in Limerick and Clare and have been in touch with co-operative and other interests concerned. I cannot yet make a definitive statement in the matter but hope to do so in the near future when progress has been made with discussions now in train.
My aim is to dispose of the company's properties to co-operative ownership. In doing this, full regard will of course, be had to the interests of the milk suppliers and workers concerned.
Could I ask the Minister if he could indicate whether he is in favour of the establishment of a milk plant outside Limerick to be run in conjunction with the Lansdowne plant?
I am very much in favour of the establishment of this plant but not necessarily in the position that was originally selected for it. If the Lansdowne plant is disposed of, then we will be considering quite a different position. I think the Deputy will accept this and that it might be necessary to place the plant in question on a different site in Clare, but of course, they must get a plant in Clare.
I do not accept that. Does the Minister not consider it essential, bearing in mind the necessity to keep the Lansdowne plant in operation, that any additional plant that is built should be built in close proximity to the existing plant?
Perhaps the Deputy is not aware that we are trying to dispose of the Lansdowne plant in such a way that the facilities will be available in the organisation or organisations to which we are trying to dispose of this.
I take it the Minister is safeguarding the employment of the people employed in the Lansdowne plant?
That guarantee has been given.