Vol. 231 No. 13
asked the Minister for agriculture and Fisheries why his Department do not approve of the grouping suggested by the dairy societies in the north-west for the purpose of erecting two milk powder factories there; and if he has obtained the opinion of the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society on the matter.
11.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if it is the intention of the Dairy Disposals Company to move into the north-west for the purpose of erecting milk powder plants there; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 11 together.
Discussions about creamery reorganisation and the provision of milk processing facilities in the north-west have recently taken place between my Department and representatives of a number of co-operative societies in that area. Certain proposals regarding the groupings of the creamery societies for the purpose of providing milk processing plants emerged during the discussions. These proposals are at present being considered by me and by the societies concerned, and it is not right to imply that I have not approved of them. The proposals envisage participation by the Dairy Disposal Company in the establishment of the processing plants but no final decisions have yet been taken.
My Department has been in touch with the IAOS about these developments.
