Frank Crowley
Question:30 Mr. Crowley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry when he proposes to publish draft legislation to establish the National Milk Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - National Milk Agency.
Avril Doyle
Question:38 Mrs. Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry when he proposes to publish draft legislation to establish the National Milk Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Austin Currie
Question:74 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry when he proposes to publish draft legislation to establish the National Milk Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Peter Barry
Question:78 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the reason for the delay in introducing legislation for the rationalisation for the Dublin and Cork District Milk Boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 30, 38, 74 and 78 together. The Bill to establish a new National Milk Agency was introduced in the Seanad in December 1991 and has completed its Second Stage there. This legislation, however, also provides for the abolition of the Dublin and the Cork district milk boards and before proceeding I intend to make provision for the future of the boards' staff. Negotiations with staff representatives are at an advanced stage. Arising out of this it may be necessary to make adjustments to certain aspects of the Bill to make provision for the future of the staff. Should this be the case, it will be done in a way which will not cause undue delay in the progress of the Bill through the Oireachtas.