Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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156. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the Dairy Council Northern Ireland's case against the National Dairy Council, NDC, with the European Commission Directorate-General for Competition for its campaign on locally produced milk; his views on whether the NDC campaign breaches single market rules under EU law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38870/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The National Dairy Council (NDC) is a private company owned by its member dairy processors/co-operatives. As Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, I have no ownership, planning or operational role in relation to the organisation.

I have been made aware of a case brought by the Dairy Council of Northern Ireland against the NDC with the European Commission DG for Competition. It is true to say that the NDC is engaged in promoting its members' products under the packaging mark “Farmed in the Republic of Ireland”. If that is the activity at the centre of the case, I can confirm that the marketing campaign is not supported by public funds, has not been adopted in any way by the State and is not ascribable to my Department. In fact, those activities are supported by voluntary milk levies collected from the NDC's member dairy co-ops. I understand such marketing campaigns, funded entirely by the private sector, are not uncommon in other Member States.

With regard to competition, I have strong views on the importance of protecting the Single Market in the EU and I oppose any anti-competitive practices that might adversely affect free trade. The Irish Agri-Food sector is export orientated and we should be cognisant of the importance of overseas markets as an outlet for our produce. I am not aware of any complaints to the Irish Competition Authority in relation to the activities of the NDC. In any event, any such complaint would be objectively examined by that body in its role as competent authority in the competition area. My Department would not have a role in any such examination, though it would, of course, provide any assistance sought and co-operate fully with the Authority if required.