asked the Minister for Agriculture the proposals his Department have made to the European Economic Community regarding the disposal of the co-responsibility fund for Ireland in 1985-86; and if he will recommend that it be made available for the purchase of bulk milk tank refrigerated coolers.
Ceisteann—Questions. Oral Answers. - Co-responsibility Levy.
12.
The allocation of the proceeds of the EC co-responsibility levy is a matter for decision by the EC Commission. The measures to be funded during the 1985-86 marketing year have already been agreed. They include a provision of £1.3 million to Ireland for measures to improve milk quality, 40 per cent of which has been allocated for grants to suppliers for the purchase of bulk milk tanks.
I understand that proposals for the allocation of co-responsibility funds for the 1986-87 marketing year are nearing finalisation in the Commission. I have pressed for the continuation of the measures on milk quality improvement which will enable assistance for on-farm refrigerated bulk milk tanks and of a number of other measures of particular interest to Ireland. I am hopeful of a satisfactory outcome.
Would the Minister not agree that grant aiding of refrigerated display cabinets in our supermarkets and shops would be a very desirable adjunct to the promotion of milk sales?
It would depend on who is reaping the benefit, whether it is the seller of the milk or the shopkeeper.
I would say, with respect, that the consumer would reap the greatest benefit. The Minister knows that milk shown around shops and outside shops in many cases is no good as regards quality.
I did not think that anybody would buy substandard milk or should have to.
The Minister said that money would be available from the co-responsibility fund for aiding people going into bulk refrigerated milk.
It has been and will be. As a pointer, 40 per cent of what has been available in the past has been going towards bulk tanks.
That was in the designated areas. What about nationally?
The reply to the question does not differentiate between the designated areas and otherwise. I imagine it is purely a national effort.
Thank you.
If it is otherwise I will inform the Deputy.