asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if Ireland agreed to the EEC proposal that the scheme whereby social welfare recipients recieve 11b of cheap butter should be renewed in 1974.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Social Butter Scheme.
24.
At a Council of Minister's meeting last December, continuance of the EEC Social Butter Scheme in 1974 was approved by Ireland and all the other member countries. The rate of FEOGA subsidy fixed by the EEC Commission is slightly lower than in 1973.
Could the Minister say when this butter will be available?
It is available all the time. There has been no change in the position. Since January it is costing one penny per 1b more. It is now costing 4½p per 1b, but if a certain abjustment takes place it might go back even below the 3½ at which it was available previously.
My understanding is that there is only a limited amount of butter available, one week's or two weeks' supply. I thought that applied to a particular week in the year?
It is continuous. The amount is unchanged.
Would the Minister be able to tell us from his brief how much of this butter has been given out under this scheme to date?
None in your time in any case.
I am afraid I have not the information requested by the Deputy.
Is the Minister aware that several people have not got their butter supply in the months of January and February?
I am not so aware but if the Deputy has any information about this I shall be glad to have it.
I have already written to the Minister.
In regard to my previous supplementary question, I can readily understand the Minister not having the information to hand, but perhaps he would be kind enough to send it to me at the first available opportunity?
Of course, I will.