Vol. 516 No. 4
67 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the reason the distribution of butter vouchers to social welfare recipients has ceased; the plans, if any, he has to re-introduce the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8354/00]
The social butter scheme, which was fully fundable by the EU, was one of a number of measures used to contribute to balance in the EU dairy market. Ireland was the only member state which operated it. The aid level was progressively reduced from year to year and a decision was taken by the EU Agriculture Council in December 1998 to allow the scheme to operate for one final year. The new basic Council regulation governing the EU dairy regime as agreed under Agenda 2000 did not provide for this scheme beyond January 2000. There is, therefore, no legal basis for continuing the scheme beyond that date.
