Ivan Yates
Ceist:185 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the reason there was a cut in case in EC supports; and if he will ensure these are maintained in future.
Written Answers. - EC Supports.
Ivan Yates
Ceist:186 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the reason there was a cut in skimmed milk powder EC supports; and if he will ensure that these are maintained in future.
I propose taking Questions Nos. 185 and 186 together.
The levels of EC aid paid on casein and skimmed milk powder are set by the EC Commission. As part of a recent review of the market situation for skimmed milk, the EC Commission made certain alternatives in the scheme for incorporation of skimmed milk powder in calf feed and in the arrangements for the advance fixing of export refunds on skimmed milk powder. These changes did not involve reductions in the levels of aid payable.
As part of the same review, the level of aid payable for casein production was reduced from 7 ecu/100kg of skimmed milk used to 6.3 ecu/100kg despite strong objections from Ireland.