Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The price situation in Ireland is broadly replicated in other EU member states, reflecting the global nature of the problem. Using cross-country comparable data from the European Milk Market Observatory, the most recently available complete data shows that the milk price in Ireland is, as the Deputy said, approximately 22% below the price in the same month in 2014 and slightly above the 19% decrease on average across the EU.

The MInister's focus now is on ensuring that the correct balance of policies and supports are in place so the Irish dairy sector can overcome the effects of volatility over the next period. The Minister will continue to push for the deployment and extension of EU market supports, such as aids to private storage and intervention, where appropriate. A number of other measures have been introduced by the Minister and the Government to assist Irish dairy farmers, including the introduction of a number of agri-taxation measures in last year's budget, such as extending the income averaging to five years, which will be of great assistance to dairy farmers wishing to manage volatility; the introduction of a scheme to facilitate the repayment of the

superlevy bill by farmers over three years, which the Minister expects will be heavily subscribed; engagement with Irish banks to ensure that access to credit for the dairy sector is available, competitive and responsive to market volatility.

A combination of these measures, allied to the investment and expertise of our dairy farmers and processors, means that the Irish dairy sector remains well placed to realise its potential in years to come and to meet the challenges of market volatility along the way. Both the dairy and sheep sectors are, and will continue to be, integral elements of our agrifood sector, and I and the Department are fully committed to their development.

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