asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the results achieved by Bord Bainne in 1966; and if all commitments on the export market were fulfilled.
14.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export of Dairying Products.
13.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will indicate from the information available to date, the prospects for increased exports of dairy products during 1967.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose taking Question Nos. 13 and 14 together.
The report of An Bord Bainne for 1966 which will show the full results for that year will not be available for some time. I understand from the Board, however, that during the year its Kerrygold butter maintained a position near the top of the price range in Britain where it is now recognised as a national brand. Also the sale of graded Irish cheese in Britain following the introduction of a grading system by my Department in July 1966 has led to considerable trade interest in Irish cheese and a consequential improvement in the prices realised. In 1966, also, there was a substantial increase in exports of skim milk powder which were sold principally through the Board. All exports commitments entered into by the Board were duly fulfilled during the year.
With regard to 1967 it is expected that the milk equivalent of exports will be about 30 million gallons higher than in 1966 but until the quotas for imports of butter into the UK for the year commencing 1st April are settled it is not possible for An Bord Bainne to allocate the total available milk supply among the various products.