Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 137: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the cost basis of the school milk scheme, including details of the subsidy from the EU; and if the same amount is charged to children in schools across the country. [8665/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The School Milk Scheme provides for the payment of aid on milk products to school pupils and is co-financed by the EU and national governments. Commission Regulation (EC) No 816/2004 sets out the specific Community aid rates applying for whole milk under the Scheme. The aid rates were reduced by approximately 7% per annum from 2004 to 2007 in line with the general reductions in support prices brought about by the 2003 Mid Term Review of the CAP. However, the Exchequer has made up for this reduction in the EU contribution, and the overall aid rates have been maintained at €27.89/100kg. From 1 July 2007 the EU contribution is €18.15/100kg, with the balance of €9.74/100kg made up by the Exchequer.

The maximum price for milk payable by pupils under this scheme is set by my Department and is currently 20 cent per 250 ml. This applies to all participating schools.