Vol. 519 No. 4
32 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the current world market trends for dairy products; if prices to milk suppliers in Ireland should be increased in 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13740/00]
39 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will give assurances to dairy farmers with regard to the future prices they can expect from processors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13943/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 39 together.
The price paid for milk is a commercial matter between milk producers and purchasers. The reality is that such prices are determined by a combination of the international market for dairy products, the product mix and the efficiency of the processor in question as well as the overall operation of the EU price support mechanisms.
The current world market trends are favourable for milk powders, cheese and casein products and the situation for butter is less so. The EU intervention system for butter is currently ensuring that the price level is maintained at a stable level.
