asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is making arrangements to hand over the Dairy Disposal Company creameries in west Cork to a co-operative group; and, if so, the terms.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - West Cork Creameries.
39.
In accordance with established policy for disposal of the Dairy Disposal Company's properties to co-operative interests discussions are in progress with interested parties for the sale of the company's creameries in West Cork.
The commercial terms will be negotiated on receipt of an acceptable offer.
Owing to the long drawn out negotiations would the Department see to it that this decision is taken as soon as possible? Would the Department also see to it that the wishes of the local suppliers and the staff of the Dairy Disposal Company are taken into consideration?
I agree with the Deputy that the negotiations, such as they are, have been rather protracted. The main reason why the Minister allowed this to happen was his anxiety to get farmers to agree to an amicable arrangement. The Minister did not want to force the hand of the local people of the Aghadown and Castletownbere creamery groups. I am pleased to say that the negotiations have advanced very far and that it is hoped that the matter will be resolved by the end of March.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary say what plans his Department have in mind for the Castletownbere creamery?
The plans the Department have in mind for the Castletownbere creamery are similar to those they have for the Aghadown group of creameries. With the approval of the milk producers in both those areas both creameries will unite. That is a certainty. It will be to the general advantage of both areas. I can assure Deputy J. O'Leary that Castletownbere is not being overlooked by the Department.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say if he informed Deputy O'Sullivan before he informed us?
That was an old tactic of Fianna Fáil that does not obtain now.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that an offer has been made by a local co-operative society for this creamery?
No, an offer has not been made so far.