Dinny McGinley
Question:77 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the increase in dairy supports he achieved at the EU dairy management meeting on 29 March 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9090/03]
Written Answers - EU Funding.
The most recent EU Dairy Management Committee meeting was held on 27 March 2003. The EU Commission did not propose any change in the levels of export refunds at that meeting. A number of factors affecting world markets make it difficult to arrive at reliable assumptions about short-term market conditions and in the circumstances, the Commission proposed that refund levels should remain at their current rate for the present. However, a 16% increase in the export refund rate for skim milk powder was agreed at the meeting of 13 February 2003.
The aid to private storage scheme for butter was reopened from 1 March 2003 and intervention for SMP reopened on the same date. To date, 1357 tonnes of SMP has been purchased into storage in this country. Both of these measures create a valuable outlet on the internal market and contribute positively to market stability, particularly in periods of excess supply. The market for milk products has stabilised in recent times following the difficulties experienced last year but I will continue to carefully monitor market developments to ensure that the EU's market support mechanisms are fully utilised.