Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2013
1033. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will intervene on behalf of the milk producers of the country by asking the purchasers of the milk to increase the price per litre being paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16840/13]
View answerThe price paid for milk is a commercial matter between milk producers and their purchasers, and is determined by a combination of the international market for dairy products, the product mix of the dairy processor and the efficiency of processing. As Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine I do not have a role in setting prices. Dairy markets are quite strong at present, and a number of processors have announced an increase in their milk price in recent weeks.
While there will always be short term fluctuations in dairy prices, the medium term prospects for global dairy markets are good. Growth in global population and wealth is forecast to stimulate strong levels of demand for dairy products. Against that background, I believe that prospects and opportunities for the dairy sector will expand significantly over the coming years.
