Vol. 249 No. 11
andMr. Coogan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware of the increasing amount of canned dessert foods of which the basic ingredient is milk, being imported into this country; what restrictions, if any, are imposed on the importation of such foods; and the total value of such commodities both in canned and container form offered for sale in the Irish market from the 1st January, 1970, to the latest date for which figures are available.
32.
andMr. Coogan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries what steps the Government have taken to encourage Irish firms and creameries to enter the expanding market of canned dessert foods in view of the high milk content of such foods, the high employment content involved and the vast export market available for such products.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 32 together.
Imports of dessert foods which contain dried or powdered milk are subject to control by licence under the Milk Products (Regulation of Import) Order, 1966, except certain infant and invalid foods of UK origin. Licences are not granted where there is any likelihood of danger to the interests of our dairy industry. The total quantity licensed since 1st January, 1970, is approximately 250 tons.
One firm here is already engaged in the production of canned dessert food containing milk, while another firm has been promised a licence and also grant aid subject to the provision of satisfactory premises. An application for a licence in a further case is under consideration. The development of those production facilities here will help towards countering the increase that has been taking place in imports.
I do not think the Minister stated the numbers that were engaged in this industry in Ireland. Is the Minister aware that at the present time in Britain there is an annual expenditure of approximately £10 million for this product and that 15 million gallons of milk are used in the processing? Four years ago in France nearly 30 million gallons of milk were used for this product. Is the Minister not in a position to state how many people are engaged in Ireland in this industry? We are importing some of these products——
The Deputy is making a long speech.
Will the Minister not agree that the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries have been slow to engage their staff in efforts to get into this expanding market——
The Deputy may not pursue that line. He may not make a speech at Question Time.
It is a very important matter and I consider that the questions are relevant. I have asked the Minister some questions——
The Deputy has not given him much time for any reply.
May I comment on what Deputy Enright said? Imports of these products are not so high as to cause alarm. However, several Irish firms are taking an aggressive attitude to the matter of exporting this kind of product. I can tell the Deputy that the matter is under active investigation by An Bord Bainne——
I disagree with the Minister.
Will the Deputy allow me to continue? We are aware that there may be an important potential in this area for the marketing of Irish dairy products and the matter is being pursued actively by several different parties.
Deputy Tom O'Donnell.
Arising out of the Minister's reply——
I have called Deputy O'Donnell. Would Deputy Enright please obey the Chair?
I will give way to the Deputy.
Then I shall call on the Minister for Industry and Commerce. Question No. 33.
