Vol. 436 No. 7
22 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the progress that has been made towards securing the removal of the ban by Mexico on the importation of Irish beef; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department has been in discussion with the Mexican authorities on a regular basis over the past few months in regard to this problem. I am hopeful that they will agree to accept Irish beef again in the not too distant future.
23 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the number of farmers who have applied for assistance under the scheme designed to ensure that milk complies with EC standards in relation to somatic cell counts; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
60 Mr. McGahon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the number of farmers who have applied for assistance under the scheme designed to ensure that milk complies with EC standards in relation to somatic cell counts; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
94 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the number of farmers who have applied for assistance under the scheme designed to ensure that milk complies with EC standards in relation to somatic cell counts; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
97 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the number of farmers who have applied for assistance under the scheme designed to ensure that milk complies with EC standards in relation to somatic cell counts; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23, 60, 94 and 97 together.
A total of 4,100 farmers have applied for grant assistance for on-farm milk holding facilities and milk equipment under the EU funded schemes for improving milk quality operated in 1992-93 and 1993-94 by the ICOS on behalf of my Department. A further scheme will operate im 1994-95.
In addition, nearly 13,000 farmers have received advice from Teagasc, the cost of which was funded by the EU under the schemes in question.
