asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the names of the cheese importers allocated import licences for Parmesan cheese; the criteria by which these licences were issued; the quota allocated to each firm; the length of time each importer has been engaged in its distribution; and the reasons why a firm (name supplied) has been refused such a licence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Parmesan Cheese Imports.
28.
In the interests of the Irish dairy industry, import licences have been granted only for limited quantities of cheese. Licences are normally granted for varieties not produced here and since July, 1968, licences for the import of Parmesan and other cheese from non-UK sources have been granted to eleven firms which imported cheese from such sources in the year ended June, 1968. The quantity which each firm is allowed to import in the current year is restricted to 75 per cent of its imports in the base year. As the firm named by the Deputy had no such imports in the base year it does not now qualify for an import licence.