Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

Quantifying the value of the supports in place is not straightforward. The one way to increases prices is to remove product from the market. The Deputy correctly said the processors have not had it all their own way because they are not achieving prices on the world market, according to the dairy board and individual processors. At the April Council meeting, I specifically tabled an item on support for the dairy industry and ten other members states, including significant member states, supported us regarding the need for the Commission to give the best possible support to the dairy industry. I will raise the issue again next Monday and I hope even more member states will support us because, unfortunately, the position has not improved in the meantime.

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