Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 65: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to the fact that cows here produce the lowest yields in the EU; the reason Irish milk's composition is the worst in the EU, except for the UK; the steps she will take to ameliorate this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38392/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The main reason Ireland's milk yield and composition varies from that of other EU countries is due to the different dairy production systems in operation. In Ireland, the majority of cow herds are spring calving and cows are fed on a grass based diet, which has proven to be the most cost efficient and profitable system under Irish conditions. In most other European countries, the majority of cows calve in the autumn and are fed a concentrate-based diet, resulting in a different composition and milk yield. Milk recording of cows has been identified as a crucial factor in helping farmers improve milk yields by making them aware of production abilities of individual breeds. I have made available the sum of €1 million to the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation to support electronic milk recording.