asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will investigate the possibility of introducing a quota system for egg producers in the Twenty-six Counties; and if he will have discussions with his British counterpart and have this quota agreed on an all-Ireland basis.
Written Answers. - Egg Quota.
29.
Under EC rules there is free trade in eggs and a system of national quotas would not, therefore, be permitted.
I have, of course, been concerned at the depressed egg market which was a feature of much of this year and, in particular, the impact on producer prices. However, there has been an improvement in the market in recent months and the industry is more optimistic about prospects in 1987.
In the long term, the success of our egg industry rests on improved efficiency in production, packaging and marketing. In this connection, the scheme of grants for egg packaging centres, first introduced in 1982, proved very successful. The scheme was re-introduced earlier this year to advance rationalisation and help further reduce the level of imports.