A motion calling for compensation for the Milk Rights Group, who were excluded from the milk quota system, was defeated in the House last night by 71 votes to 63. Mr Jackie Healy-Rae (Ind, Kerry South) who was described by Fine Gael's agriculture spokesman Mr Alan Dukes, as a "fully paid up member" of the Milk Rights Group, voted with the Government.
Mr Charles Flanagan, Fine Gael's chief whip, said there were 1,300 farmers involved in a 17year battle in an effort to be compensated.