Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wheat Milling Capacity.
- Wheat milling capacity 6 speeches
O’Keeffe questioned whether mill closures and reduced capacity would leave farmers unable to sell wheat. Deasy said expanded capacity at existing mills would meet annual flour demand, though mills would need to operate multiple shifts.
Ned O'Keeffe, Austin Deasy
- Wheat storage capacity 2 speeches
Byrne asked whether wheat storage capacity was adequate relative to milling capacity; Deasy said the Department had no information suggesting otherwise.
Hugh Byrne, Austin Deasy
- Mills’ preference for imported wheat 4 speeches
Noonan alleged mills favour imported wheat over Irish wheat, including quality winter wheat, harming the balance of payments. Deasy disputed that any bias existed, while Noonan urged him to investigate.
Michael J. Noonan, Austin Deasy
asked the Minister for Agriculture the capacity of plants available for the milling of wheat for the flour industry.
Comment on this
The capacity of flour mills depends on the number of shifts operated by each mill but the existing mills have quite sufficient capacity to produce all our requirements of about 250,000 tonnes of flour per annum.
Comment on this
Is the Minister aware that since Ranks Mills closed there has been a drop of 30 per cent in the total capacity? I should like to know from the Minister what strategy his Department will adopt to take care of this shortfall.
Comment on this
There is sufficient capacity in the existing mills to cater for our full demands which amount to 250,000 tonnes. This necessitates some of the mills working three shifts in the day and others working two, but the home mills can produce the full amount required.
Comment on this
The Minister must be aware that last year farmers found it difficult to get wheat taken in at the intake points and with a further shortfall in the capacity the position will be quite serious this year. I would like to know what action he is taking just now. I want a "yes" or "no" to that.
Comment on this
I am not giving "yes" or "no" answers if I cannot clarify the position properly. The position is that a number of the existing mills have increased their capacity substantially and we are confident they will be able to meet the demands in the current year.
Comment on this
Is the Minister satisfied there is sufficient storage capacity as against milling capacity?
Comment on this
(Limerick West): Is the Minister aware that the mills traditionally have a bias against Irish wheat, especially quality winter wheat, and is he further aware that there are vast imports of wheat from the UK and that in itself is upsetting our balance of payments?
Comment on this
I am not aware of any such bias and I doubt if such a bias exists. I am quite happy with the prevailing situation and I have no complaints about it.
Comment on this
(Limerick West): There is a bias and I suggest that the Minister make himself aware of it.