Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 4

Written Answers. - Social Assistance Butter Scheme.

Mary Harney

Question:

849 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the reason butter vouchers given to social welfare recipients are only redeemable against the more expensive brands of butter thus rendering them of no advantage whatsoever to these recipients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15185/96]

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

The Social Assistance Butter Scheme is one of a number of measures to encourage the consumption of butter in the European Union. As the scheme is designed to support butter consumption, low-fat butters are not eligible for subsidy.