asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state, in relation to the Dairy Disposal Company (a) the number of creameries and travelling creameries under its control; (b) the number of persons employed by the company who hold a diploma or higher qualifications in dairying; and (c) the average salary paid to each class.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - The Dairy Disposal Company.
The number of creameries and separating stations, including 19 travelling creameries, controlled by the company is 148. The number of persons in the employment of the company holding a diploma or higher qualifications in dairying is 83. In addition, the company employs a number of managers and assistant managers who are qualified under the Dairy Produce Acts for their particular positions. As regards the average salary paid to each of these classes, the company is engaged in commercial operations and I do not consider it proper that it should be asked to disclose details of its business not ordinarily required of business firms.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state whether the Dairy Disposal Company have recently appointed an inspector over all the creameries controlled by the company; if so, if he will state whether this post was advertised, and the manner in which the appointment was filled; and, further, if he will state the name of any person so appointed and his technical qualifications.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state what vacancies exist on the staff of the Lansdowne Creamery under the control of the Dairy Disposal Company; whether it is intended to fill any such vacancy; and, if so, whether it is intended to advertise such vacancies, and what qualifications will be stipulated for each vacancy.
I propose to take questions 9 and 11 together.
The filling of vacancies in the Dairy Disposal Company's staff is a matter within the discretion of the directors and is not subject to my approval. I understand that the position referred to by the Deputy as inspector of creameries has been filled by promotion within the company's organisation. The board have under consideration the question of the existing vacancy at Lansdowne.
Does that mean that a person promoted as inspector to a creamery is fully qualified for the position?
Oh, yes.
With all the technical qualifications necessary.
He has the technical qualifications.
Has he the higher qualifications—a degree?
I do not know, but he has at least a diploma.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the name, technical qualifications, and remuneration of each of the directors of the Dairy Disposal Company, also their grade and the length of their service in the Civil Service.
The directors of the Dairy Disposal Company are Henry Friel, controller of creamery development, chairman; Michael McAuliffe and Michael Horgan, agricultural inspectors. The length of service in the Civil Service is 35 years, 26 years and five years, respectively. The directors receive the remuneration appropriate to their official grades, with an allowance of £200 per annum to the chairman and £100 per annum to the other directors. The directors were appointed on their administrative and business qualifications and they are sufficiently experienced in technical matters to enable them to come to decisions on such matters on the advice of the technicians employed by the company.
I asked the Minister to say whether they had any technical qualifications. Could the Minister say have they any technical qualifications?
If the Deputy means by technical qualifications such a qualification as a degree in dairy science, the answer is no.
Would not it be advisable to have a director with technical qualifications considering that they have to appoint a number of technical men to positions under their authority?
I think boards are usually chosen for their business ability.
I am not suggesting that all three should have them.