Vol. 444 No. 3
22 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to the reduction in the price of milk paid by processors; if such a reduction was dictated by stock market rather than market considerations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
42 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to the reduction in the price of milk paid by processors; if such a reduction was dictated by stock market rather than market considerations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 42 together.
I am aware that certain processors have recently reduced the price paid to their suppliers for milk. The level of price is, of course, a matter for producers and purchasers of milk supplies and is affected by many factors. Among these is the situation on the international market for dairy products which, in respect of the products of most concern to Ireland, has disimproved somewhat in the first half of this year. This has resulted in higher sales to intervention than in 1993. I would hope that the market situation would improve in the second half of the year.
