Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 10 Feb 1994

Vol. 438 No. 6

Written Answers. - EC Directive on Milk.

Proinsias De Rossa

Question:

96 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to the likely problems for producers and distributors of goat's milk arising from EC Directive 85/M/EC Ref No. COM (91) 81 Final; if, in view of the small scale of most of these operations and the importance of goat's milk to the 5 per cent of the population who have an allergy to cow's milk, he will reconsider the application of the directive to goat's milk producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. J. Walsh)

EU Council Directive 92/46/EEC, to which I assume the Deputy refers, lays down rules for the hygienic production of milk and milk based products and is part of the arrangements made for the Single Market. The Directive sets standards for milk of several species of animals including goats and has application throughout the Union.

I am not aware that the measure poses any particular problems for Irish goat milk producers. While it is not within the power of a member state to restrict the application of the Directive, I would, of course, be willing to examine any problems such producers may have with the measure in the context of the standards set by the Directive for the protection of consumers.