asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his current intentions regarding the establishment of the promised national milk agency; when he intends to set up the agency; the structure, role and function of the proposed agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - National Milk Agency.
15.
The National Milk Agency will be responsible for the regulation of the liquid milk market throughout the country. It will register all dairies and liquid milk producers within the State who satisfy hygienic, processing and other technical standards. In order for producers to be registered it will be necessary for them to have a written contract with a registered dairy guaranteeing all year round supply or supply during the winter months. The agency will be empowered to refuse to register any contract which in their view does not provide adequate compensation for the costs of winter production.
The board of the agency will consist of an independent part-time chairman together with representatives of producer, processor, retail distributor and consumer interests.
It is not possible at this stage to say when precisely the agency will commence operations as this will depend on when the necessary legislation is enacted. However, I am anxious that it should start as quickly as possible.