Seanad debates
Wednesday, 2 July 2003
Common Agricultural Policy: Statements.
Franz Fischler claimed that Ireland was treated in a moderate fashion and that the Irish dairy industry must not be so dependent on butter and should diversify its dairy products. We have heard the Minister confirm his agreement with the Commissioner's remarks. Despite this, the Minister has shown no leadership to the industry in directing it towards other products such as yoghurts and cheeses. The ICMSA president, Pat O'Rourke, has pointed out that dairy products are unlikely to displace or overtake the best dairy products such as yoghurts or cheeses on the European market because larger states like Italy and France will protect their domestic markets while Ireland is very restricted as to where we can sell our produce.
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