Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 29 Feb 1996

Vol. 462 No. 4

Written Answers. - Milk Prices.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

47 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to concerns that some co-operatives fail to pass on market price increases for milk to producers in their entirety; the proposals, if any, he has to monitor and rectify the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4629/96]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

The level of price paid for milk by co-operatives to milk producers is a commercial matter between the two parties concerned.

Milk producers enjoyed very satisfactory returns in 1995, reflecting the buoyancy in dairy markets generally. The most recent CSO data for 1995 shows that milk prices were some 11 per cent higher than a year previously.