asked the Minister for Agriculture if it is proposed to set up a separating station in Hare Island, Skibbereen, County Cork.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cream Separating Stations.
Mr. Collins
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state what progress has been made in the establishment of cream separating stations at (a) Whiddy Island, and (b) Hare Island.
I propose, with your permission, a Chinn Chomhairle, to take Questions Nos. 31 and 32 together.
The Dairy Disposal Company made, at my request, a survey of Hare Island last summer. The conclusion reached by the company was that the quantity of milk likely to be available would not be sufficient to warrant the establishment of a separating station on the island, and at the present I can see no prospect of building up the minimum practical supply which would justify such a step. The position as regards Whiddy Island is at present being investigated, but, here again, I doubt whether the establishment of a separating station would be a practical proposition, having regard to the milk supply likely to be available.
Is there any possibility at all that the milk in these two islands will be taken off the people's hands for creamery purposes?
The position in regard to Whiddy Island is that it lies within a district which is ordinarily the supply district of Drinagh Co-operative Society. In that situation, my functions are largely of a persuasive character. In regard to Hare Island, the supply of milk is, I think, something in the order of 200 gallons, and I can see no prospect whatever of providing facilities designed to bring that quantity of milk to a creamery station for separation on any basis of economics. In regard to Whiddy Island, I think the supply is in the order of 250 gallons, but I cannot quite remember. In both cases it is merely a question of economics. In either case if we could foresee that by providing facilities we could help to build up the supply over a 12-month, we would not hesitate to provide them but our best advice is that, even though they were provided, there is no prospect of building up a supply which could make a permanent service of that kind possible.
In view of the Minister's statement that his functions are of a persuasive character, and in view of the proximity of Hare Island to Lisheen creamery headquarters, would he try to use his persuasive powers there to have the milk taken?
Does the Deputy know that my persuasion is often very persuasive?
Would the Minister say what quantity he means when he refers to a minimum quantity?
That is a question which is often conditioned by circumstances, but 400 gallons in many cases might be taken as a general guide. There could be circumstances in which slightly more would be required and circumstances in which slightly less would justify the provision of facilities.