asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will increase the island butter subsidy forthwith.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Island Butter Subsidy.
33.
The rate of subsidy on island butter is under review following the changes which have been made in creamery milk price support. An announcement in the matter will be made as soon as possible.
Some time last year the Minister gave me a somewhat similar answer but the review never took place. Will the Minister not now agree that the subsidy on milk has been increased quite recently and is it not only fair that the increase should be passed on to the island producers? The amount involved would be relatively small. Could the Minister say when this extra few pence will be provided for the island people, the smallest group of our farmers?
I accept that the conditions under which the review is taking place this year varies somewhat from those of last year. It is a continuing fact that the disposal of this island butter has been somewhat difficult and it has to be sold at a loss, but I accept Deputy Murphy's assertion also that this situation has altered somewhat in recent months and that this would argue for sympathetic consideration of his request.
While I am satisfied with that, I shall be talking to the Minister inside a month.