asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture to state the considerations which have led to the closing down of the Golden Vein Dairy at Ballylanders; whether it is the practice to close down modernly-equipped creameries without consulting the suppliers; whether he is aware that grave dissatisfaction exists among the suppliers as a result of this decision, and if he will take steps to have it reviewed.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CLOSING OF CO. LIMERICK CREAMERY.
Mr. HOGAN
Under the Creamery Reorganisation Scheme only one creamery, and that an auxiliary, is necessary at Ballylanders. The creamery which it has been decided to retain for the purpose, i.e., that of the Condensed Milk Company, is regarded as more suitable than that of the Golden Vein Dairy Company, because (1) the power and equipment of the latter company's premises is considerably in excess of requirements, so that the cost of running it as an auxiliary would be much greater than in the other case; (2) the water supply of the selected premises is more satisfactory.
It would normally not be practicable, in connection with this large and complex scheme, to consult the individual suppliers in each instance; but any representations made on their behalf receive the fullest consideration before a decision is arrived at. I am aware that dissatisfaction in regard to the arrangement made at Ballylanders has been expressed by some of the suppliers; but as an alternative creamery existed within a few hundred yards, I am not of opinion that any real cause for dissatisfaction on the ground of hardship to suppliers exists. It is not proposed to review the decision in this case.
Is the Minister aware that the creamery which has been closed down is by far the more suitable of the two, in the opinion of the people of the district and the people from far around the district? There is nobody in the area, not even the people who supply milk to the Condensed Milk Company, who believes that the Condensed Milk Company's premises are better premises than the premises closed down. I think the Minister ought to take into consideration the opinion of the farmers of the area. There were 3,100 gallons of milk supplied to the Golden Vein Dairy and only 1,760 gallons to the other creamery. There is a suspicion in the district and all around it that the decision arrived at is most unfair. That suspicion exists in the other creamery districts as well. The decision, as I say, is considered most unfair and it is believed that the Department that would make a decision of the kind cannot be depended on to administer the scheme fairly. I would ask the Minister to receive a deputation of those suppliers and discuss the matter with them and see whether very good reasons exist for the closing of the Golden Vein Dairy Company. Let him convince them that there were good reasons.
The question is will the Minister receive a deputation?
Mr. HOGAN
I will receive a deputation. I am quite clear the Deputy is incorrectly informed when he says all the farmers are in favour of the Golden Vein Creamery. Each of these two creameries remained open for three months and practically every day I received representations. I got one representation one day on behalf of one creamery and another representation on behalf of the other creamery the next day. The representations on both sides are about equal. The fact of the matter is that there is very little between the creameries. I admit that, but I would again draw the Deputy's attention to what I said in my reply to him. "The power and equipment of the latter company's premises is considerably in excess of requirements so that the cost of running it as an auxiliary would be much greater than in the other case." Either of the creameries is good enough. There is no doubt about that, but the cost of running in one case is less than the cost of running in the other. That is all it comes to.
Is the Minister satisfied that the majority of the farmers in that district are in favour of the creamery that is being retained? It seems to me that as regards a scheme such as this consideration should be given to the views of the majority of the farmers in the district.
Mr. HOGAN
I do not know on which side the majority is. I do not look at it from that point of view.
As far as the water supply of the Golden Vein Dairy Company is concerned——
The Deputy cannot debate the matter now. That is manifest.
I just want to show——
The Deputy is only entitled to ask supplementary questions, though I have allowed him to make a speech.
Might I ask the Minister if he is aware that there is a publichouse in the yard?
The Minister has admitted that he is unaware on which side the majority is. In view of that, will he take steps to ascertain on which side the majority is?
Mr. HOGAN
No. We can only deal with political matters on the lines of majority rule—not economic matters.