Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

We all share the same views outlined by Deputy Creed. I understand he outlined a similar viewpoint at a previous question time. There are particular difficulties and we know the price being quoted now by the different co-ops and processors, and the difficulties that poses for farmers. I know the co-operatives and processors also face difficulties.

Regarding the quantity mentioned, to be accurate I wish to put it on the record that at last Thursday's management committee meeting 6,665 tonnes of butter were accepted at a level very close to the intervention price. This was an extremely positive response. The overall volume accepted amounted to some 70% of the total offered and the Irish component which was not accepted will be eligible for the next tender. It is worth putting on the record that in the case of skimmed milk powder and export refunds, 14,663 tonnes were equivalent to the combined volumes of the three previous tenders. Regarding butter, the total supported was 5,257 tonnes, compared to some 7,000 tonnes for the combined three previous tenders.

The general reaction of the operators was favourable to the decisions made at last Thursday's meeting. The next meeting will take place on Thursday week, where there will be further product moved along. As we all know, we need to get product out of the market to ensure we get the proper supply.

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