asked the Minister for Agriculture if all dairy farmers who supplied milk to the Dairy Disposals Board's creameries during last year's milk season will be eligible to vote in the election for represent5ation on An Bord Bainne.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - An Bord Bainne : Farmers' Representation.
20.
Under the arrangements made pursuant to the Dairy Produce Marketing Act, 1961, the electors must be those who supplied any milk to the creameries in question during the period from the 12th February to the 11th March, 1961.
Is the Minister aware that a considerable number of farmers do not supply milk during that period? Some creameries do not operate at all and, in many instances, lorry owners carting milk do not operate during this period. In view of the fact that these farmers could not supply milk to creameries during that period, would the Minister now consider aitering the position, changing the order and giving an opportunity of voting to every farmer who supplied milk during the peak period last June?
I shall tell the Minister what the Deputy has said. I find it hard to believe, however, there are many farmers not supplying milk around the first half of March.
Some creameries are actually closed during that period.
Would the Minister ask the opinion of half a dozen rural Deputies sitting behind him?
I have been dealing with this all my life and I do not want advice from Deputy O'Sullivan.
The Minister never took advice from anybody.
Perhaps the Minister would take advice from Mr. O'Brien?
Níl sé ceadaithe leas-ainmneacha do thabhairt ar dhaoine. Ní hé sin mo shloinne.
Every farmer should be given an opportunity of voting.
I shall bring the matter before the Minister.