asked the Minister for Education if money is available from the EEC for the provision of milk or milk products to students in schools; if so, (a) the terms of such aid, (b) whether and from whom he has received representations for the introduction of such a scheme, (c) the earliest date at which EEC aid for such a scheme was or will be available, and (d) if and when such a scheme will be introduced; and if not, why.
Written Answers. - Milk Products Provision.
241.
Under the EEC Commission Regulations No. 1080/77 and 1598-77 the Commission are empowered to contribute for a period of at least five years to financing member states programmes for supplying milk and certain milk products at reduced prices to schoolchildren. The terms of the aid are set out in Council Regulation No. 1080 and Commission's Regulations Nos. 1598 and 2534, copies of which are being made available in the Dáil Library. I understand that such aid is available with effect from 1st May, 1977.
As I have already indicated in reply to Question No. 34 of 17th November, I have no function in regard to the school meals service and, naturally, I have not received representations in relation to a scheme to avail of the contributions offered by the Commission. Such a scheme would not come within the services administered by my Department and I am not accordingly in a position to answer the last part of the Deputy's question.