asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the progress which has been made concerning the distribution of Common Market surpluses of butter and beef to pensioners and other low income groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Distribution of Common Market Surpluses.
104.
As I have announced, the Irish scheme for the supply of food from intervention stock covers (a) homeless persons accommodated in hostels and shelters run by voluntary organisations and; (b) needy persons in the community, mainly recipients of long-term supplementary welfare allowance or long-term unemployment assistance with adult dependants. The eligible hostels and shelters have now been allocated supplies of beef and butter based on their needs to the end of December next.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, who have agreed to operate the scheme in so far as the eligible social welfare recipients are concerned, are at present finalising arrangements for the distribution of beef. I am informed that the society expect to be in a position to commence distribution before the end of the month.