asked the Minister for Agriculture if he can state whether his Department has a scheme prepared for the reorganisation of the creamery industry in County Sligo; and, if so, if he will state the nature of such scheme, the approximate cost of the proposed reorganisation, and the amount of money to be made available from the Exchequer; whether the scheme has been held up because of the action, or proposed action, of the controlling body or any of the creameries concerned, and, if so, what action he proposes taking to deal with the situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Reorganisation of County Sligo Creamery Industry.
The position of the creamery industry in County Sligo has been discussed between my Department and the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society, and the Organisation Society have been invited to arrange a comprehensive scheme for the reorganisation of the industry in the area in question. No such scheme has yet been submitted to me because it has not, so far, been found possible to secure the co-operation of the several local societies concerned whose concurrence would be necessary to the success of the project.
There are a number of supplementary questions which I should like to ask the Minister arising out of his reply. The whole problem of the reorganisation of the dairy industry in County Sligo is one of very considerable importance to the farmers concerned. On that account, I think sufficient time should be given to the Minister to reply and, in order to facilitate him in the matter, I beg to give notice that I will raise the question on the Adjournment.