asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will increase the level of the island butter subsidy to bring the milk return on islands to the level obtaining on the mainland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Island Butter Subsidy.
1.
The position of these milk producers is under examination but I cannot indicate at this stage whether anything can be done to improve the return for their milk. The producers are, of course, receiving an EEC subsidy of approximately 16p per gallon on their skim milk used for animal feeding.
Is the Minister aware that these farmers labour under many handicaps and that there are relatively few farmers involved? In this age of subsidisation, is it not reasonable for an island farmer to expect the same price for his products as his more fortunate neighbour of the mainland? Would the Minister agree to raise the level of subsidy so as to ensure that the small number of farmers living on islands get the same return for their milk as those living on the mainland?
The issue involved is the payment which these farmers—less than 20—receive for the butter content of their milk. The price they are receiving has not been changed for seven years. I was surprised that it was not changed in the last four and a half years. The current position is that the situation is being examined. I cannot undertake at this time to state that the return for their products will be increased.
When will the Minister report on this matter? The most sympathetic Minister for Agriculture that the island people had was Deputy Haughey, who introduced the subsidy.
I am sure there will be no avoidable delay. It will not go on for four and a half years.