Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:66 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of dairy co-operatives in Ireland; whether he favours mergers and amalgamations; and the steps he is taking to encourage same.
Written Answers. - Dairy Co-operatives.
There are at present some 39 plants licensed to process milk in Ireland, although over 50 per cent of the milk is handled by the six largest processors. The moves currently taking place in the dairy sector towards rationalisation of its processing capacity are, of course, to be welcomed, although I recognise that progress will by its nature be achieved slowly. The drawing up of the necessary rationalisation plans is essentially a matter for 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.