asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that intending suppliers are not being facilitated in the test being carried out by the Dairy Disposals Company in respect to the Caragh Lake district, County Kerry; and, if so, whether hewill make representations to the company in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Dairy Disposals Company's Milk Test.
Mr. Walsh
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As the Deputy is aware the lorry service provided by the Dairy Disposals Company Limited to test the volume of milk supplies in the Cromane and Caragh Lake districts is of an experimental nature and, in fact, has only recently been extended to the Caragh Lake district. If, after reasonable experience, the company finds that the present arrangements are not calculated to test effectively the milk supply in these areas they will, no doubt, make any necessary and feasible adjustments.
Is the Minister aware that the decision of the Dairy Disposals Company to have these collecting points is not fair to intending suppliers? For instance, I have a list here of 46 intending suppliers in the Cromane and Caragh Lake districts who have not been given any opportunity at all of attending at these collection points. If the Minister can see his way to direct the chairman of the Dairy Disposals Company to review that decision so that these people will be facilitated and that they will get proper tests in these two districts, it would be an advantage.
Mr. Walsh
As I have pointed out, the matter is in an experimental stage and if any adjustments are required, they will be carried out.