asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the incentives the Government propose to offer to ensure a supply of liquid milk for the winter trade.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Liquid Milk Supplies.
57.
I have statutory power to fix producer minimum prices for the liquid milk trade in the Dublin and Cork districts, and I am at present reviewing the price levels there. A seasonally higher price is normally fixed for the winter period.
It is customary for producer prices in other areas to follow the trend of prices fixed in the Dublin and Cork districts.
When does the Minister expect to have a decision on an increased price for milk producers?
I cannot answer that question.
How long have those discussions been going on?
No discussions have been going on.
Did the Minister not say he was having discussions?
I received the price application on 30th December or some time later.
This has been going on since that time and there has been no decision?
It was going on with my predecessor for 12 months and there was no decision. I had to give them two price increases since I took office.
Is the Minister aware that the fall off in the demand for insemination of cows is an indication that there will be a shortage of milk this coming winter?
I am not aware of any drop in the demand for insemination.
There seems to be a fall off in the demand which would indicate that people are not eager to continue in liquid milk for the winter months when it is not a profitable operation.
I think all milk producers are doing well.