Vol. 510 No. 6
141 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the value of a butter voucher in each of the years from 1997 to 1999; the reason the budget for the scheme was reduced in 1999 in view of the fact the cost of living has not decreased; if the scheme will again be available in 2000 for the approximate one million social assistance beneficiaries and dependants; and the level in this regard. [23237/99]
The value of a butter voucher per beneficiary per month in the period 1997 to 1999 is as follows: 52p from 1/1/1997 to 30/6/1997; 48p from 1/7/1997 to 30/6/1998; 50p from 1/7/1998 to 31/12/1998; 36p from 1/1/1999 to 31/12/1999
The EU social assistance butter scheme is one of a number of measures used to balance the EU dairy market. Ireland was the only country to operate the scheme which was fully funded from the EU agricultural budget. The aid level was being progressively reduced until a decision was taken by the Agricultural Council in December 1998 to allow the scheme operate for one final year.
