Vol. 424 No. 9
146 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the cut in grain prices, as proposed under the Common Agricultural Policy reform, will undermine Ireland's grassland meat and dairy production systems; and if he is carrying out any study on the effect of this cut.
A study carried out by my Department has shown that the benefits to Ireland's meat and dairy sectors from the cut in cereal prices of 29 per cent will amount to an estimated £60 million a year. While these sectors in other member states will also benefit, I am satisfied that the overall balance of the Common Agricultural Policy reform package is favourable to Ireland.
