asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware of reports that the AI station in Clifden, County Galway, is to cease operations on 1st May next; and, if so, if he will state the action he intends taking to prevent such closure.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Galway AI Station.
6.
I am so aware but the closure is a matter for the AI body concerned.
Is that the Minister's answer?
Yes.
I asked what action the Minister intends taking to prevent such closure.
The answer is that I propose to take no action.
Is the Minister aware of the effect this will have on the agricultural industry in Connemara, weak as it is?
I have a further note. The sub-station at Clifden is attached to the main AI station at Clarecastle, County Clare, which is operated by Golden Vale Co-operative Creameries Ltd., Charleville, County Cork. Clarecastle's licensed operational area covers Counties Clare and Galway. The Clifden sub-station services all Connemara to the Galway-Mayo border in the north-east and into Galway city and the south-east. The evidence I am given is that this area may be serviced from another station.
The Minister agreed that the proposal is to cease the operation in Connemara as and from 1st May.
Yes.
Has there been a request from the Golden Vale Cooperatives to the Department for a subsidy to make up the balance which is being lost by this organisation in giving this service to farmers in Connemara?
Not that I am aware of.
Is the Minister aware that the amount involved——
Even if there was, there would be no subsidy forthcoming. I am aware they applied to Roinn na Gaeltachta for a subsidy and did not get it.
Question No. 7.
Is the Minister aware that the only bulls his Department will agree to licence in the Connemara area are Black Angus Bulls?
That is not so.
That is generally so.
That is not so.
There are very few exceptions.
This is leading to argument. The Deputy must conclude his questioning now.
Is the Minister aware that because of the withdrawal of this service in the main farmers will not be able to introduce other breeds in the Connemara area?
They will be able to introduce any breeds they want to bring in.
In what way?
In what way are they prevented?
The AI service will no longer be available in Connemara.
It will be available.
Our information is that it will not.
We cannot debate this matter. I am calling the next question.
This is a disaster for the farmers in Connemara.
I have allowed Deputy Molloy a series of supplementary questions. If he wants to deliberate further he must find another opportunity.
The Minister has taken the subject very lightly.
I simply said I am giving no subsidy. The price of calves and cattle was never better. If we have to subsidise AI, matters are worse than I think they should be.
Could I ask the Minister, when this service was provided by the Dairy Disposals Board——
Question No. 7 has been called.