asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if, in view of the increase in the price of milk and the consequent reduced quantity available for children through the State grant, he will consider the advisability of increasing the grant.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Increasing Free Milk Grant.
I take it that the Deputy's question has reference to the free milk scheme administered by my Department. That scheme does not represent the only scheme under which free milk is provided for children. There is very generous provision made for the obtaining of free milk under the food allowances scheme administered by the Department of Industry and Commerce which covers recipients of unemployment assistance with dependents, persons in receipt of widows' and orphans' pensions, old age pensions, and pensions for the blind in urban areas. The present distribution of milk under both these schemes is regarded as adequate.
Is the Minister aware that there have been expressions of opinion from influential people, including medical officers of health, that there should be a readjustment of the grant to allow for the increased cost of milk, which has been reduced in quantity? In view of the fact that other commodities, such as butter, which is very necessary for children, are in short supply, there is an urgent need for keeping the milk supply at the highest possible level.
This matter has been carefully considered. The original scheme has been supplemented by the food allowances scheme and the conclusion to which we have come is that the existing schemes are quite adequate to deal with the situation.
May I take it that there is no supernatural quality about the milk, as there was about buns on a previous occasion?
I am not going to ascribe supernatural qualities to natural objects.