When I reported progress last night I think I had answered most of the points raised during the debate. The Irish dairy industry has responded positively to the opportunities presented by our EEC membership and with it our access to a market in excess of 250 million people. Our dairy industry is of necessity export oriented. Despite our having the highest levels of consumption of butter and liquid milk in the Community, only about one-third of Ireland's production of dairy products is consumed at home. We are therefore heavily dependent on markets abroad.
Dairying contributed substantially to the balance of trade with milk-based products constituting around 30 per cent of total agricultural exports in 1978. Dairying occupies a fundamental position in the Irish economy. Half the country's farms are engaged in commercial dairy enterprises and the value of milk produced on these farms, which amounted to over £500 million in 1978, accounts for some 32 per cent of total agricultural production. The processing of dairy products is one of our main industries accounting for about 15 per cent of total manufacturing output and providing 20 per cent of total employment in the food manufacturing sector.
An Bord Bainne have been successful in finding these markets not only in the Community but throughout the world. For that reason, continuance of State guarantee will help the board in continuing their good work. I strongly recommend the Bill to the House.
