asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he intends to introduce the regulations for milk production recommended by the technical study group; and, if so, when.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Milk Production.
7.
The dairy industry technical study group which was set up by an Foras Talúntais has not so far made any recommendations to me on the question of milk production.
When the technical study group makes submissions to the Minister will he ensure that there is ample time for the small milk producer to introduce any regulations which will be necessary?
The Deputy will appreciate that I cannot anticipate what the recommendations will be. I will be very surprised if any serious inconvenience is caused by anything introduced. Care will be taken.
Is the Minister aware that when less strigent regulations were introduced in Northern Ireland some years ago than the proposal we read about in the papers recently, they had the effect of putting very many small milk producers completely out of production?
The Deputy may not know that that was really a draft for a working group. It is not a proposal. It will have to be worked on for some time.