asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries when he intends to increase the price of milk; and by how much.
29.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Milk Price.
28.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he proposes to take any steps to assist dairy farmers in the creamery areas who this year have suffered a severe reduction in their incomes; and, if not, why.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 29 together.
The ICMSA case for an increase in the price of milk, which was recommended by the National Agricultural Council, is being considered by the Government and their decision will be announced as soon as possible.
With regard to the suggestion in one of the Questions that there has been a severe reduction in the income of dairy farmers in the creamery areas this year, I would point out that it is estimated that, after allowing for cost increases and without taking account of the higher value of calves, the income of creamery suppliers from milk this year will be about £2 million higher than it was in 1967.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that, on the morning of the Referendum, there was an announcement on Radio Éireann, on Telefís Éireann and in all the papers that the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries was putting this matter before the Government for urgent consideration and decision?
I am aware that the matter is before the Government and that it has been put there by the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries.
How long does it take the Government to consider this? It has been going on since last January.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary realise that the dairy farmers in creamery areas have suffered a very substantial reduction in income this year by reason of the reduction in the price of skim milk and the increased Bord Bainne levy? If and when the increase in milk price is given, can the Parliamentary Secretary say that it will be given retrospective to June last?
The 1968 Estimate allows for the increase of the Bord Bainne levy as from 1st July last and, allowing for increased costs on the farm—fertilisers, rates, and so on— it is estimated that the net income for creamery milk this year will be £2 million higher than it was in 1967. Therefore, I do not think Deputy O'Donnell has any cúis ghearáin.
Surely the Parliamentary Secretary will agree that this extra income is for extra production and that that costs money? Is he trying to foreshadow and make a case for no increase in the price of milk?
I am afraid Deputy Clinton wishes to misinterpret what I said. We appreciate that extra production costs extra money but, as I have already pointed out to the Deputy, farmers with extra production, with the extra costs involved, have £2 million more.
May I ask the Parliamentary Secretary to come clean? The farmers' organisations, even the so-called NAC, have recommended an increased price. Will there or will there not be an increase in price and, if so, will it be retrospective?
The matter is before the Government for a decision and the minute the decision is arrived at it will be made known.
Will he announce it at some dinner?
I do not think so.