asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state whether it is the policy of his Department to encourage the formation of co-operative organisations with a view to acquiring control of creameries from the Dairy Disposal Company; and, if so, what steps are taken or have been taken to implement this policy, and what success has attended such efforts.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Control of Creameries.
The promotion of co-operative societies is a function of the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society. The Government's policy in regard to the creamery groups operated by the Dairy Disposal Company is to transfer the control of any group to a co-operative society composed of the milk suppliers to that group whenever an arrangement satisfactory to both parties can be made. Apart from small individual units sold to existing societies, no transfers have been made in recent years, but in the case of one large group a revised offer made on behalf of the local milk suppliers is under consideration.
When any such property is disposed of, is any financial loss to public funds incurred?
There would not be any financial loss at this stage or, at least, it is not the intention to sell them at a loss now, but, in the taking over of these creameries, there was a financial loss which was foreseen and written off.
But in the disposal of the property afterwards, there is no loss?
No.
Is it in North Cork that the creamery in respect of which you are considering an offer is?
Yes.