asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the likely prospects for the dairy products industries and the dairy farmers in the event of this country being admitted to membership of the EEC.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dairying Industry.
8.
The level of milk prices generally in the EEC is appreciably higher than the level here. The common target price which is to come into operation in the Community on 1st April, 1968 is equivalent to about 3s 3d per gallon, delivered, for milk with 3.5 per cent butter-fat content. Taking into account the value of skim milk and the increased quality allowance which is to come into operation on 1st April next, the comparable Irish price is about 2s 6d per gallon.
However, it is not of course possible to say what precise conditions would apply in relation to dairy products within an enlarged Community. In any event, I do not consider that it would be appropriate for me to comment further on matters which may later arise in the course of our negotiations for membership.
9.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries whether the Kennedy round talks on dairy products which opened at Geneva on 16th February have any significance as far as the Irish dairy products industry is concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
This country has been participating in the discussions on dairy products which have been taking place at Geneva in the context of the Kennedy Round of negotiations in the GATT. The discussions are still proceeding and at this stage it is not possible to indicate their likely outcome.