Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 17 May 1990

Vol. 398 No. 9

Written Answers. - Rationalisation of Dairy Industry.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

38 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the continued difficulties within the dairy sector to achieve the rationalisation of operations considered necessary, in light of European developments and increasing competition world wide in commodity prices; the plans, if any, he has to intervene and facilitate the emergence of a strengthened dairy sector, in view of the importance of this sector to the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. O'Kennedy)

I welcome the moves currently taking place in the dairy sector towards rationalisation of its processing infrastructure although I recognise that progress will, by its nature, be achieved slowly. The drawing up of the necessary rationalisation plans is essentially the responsibility of the dairy industry itself. I know that the industry is fully aware of the need for action on this issue so that it will be fully prepared for the completion of the internal market in 1992.