asked the Minister for Agriculture the basis on which certain mountain areas of the EEC are to be exempt from the proposed co-responsibility levy on milk.

The mountain areas to which the Deputy refers have been exempt from the co-responsibility levy since its inception. This is on the basis that the natural barriers in these areas such as climate and topographical conditions severely limit agricultural production.

Why are there not exempted areas in Ireland considering the considerable mountain region in this country?

Most of the mountain regions are included as disadvantaged areas.

In this, the poorest region in the Community, there is not one area exempt from the co-responsibility levy whereas in richer countries, such as France, there are substantial areas totally exempt?

The Deputy is arguing on the basis that 6 per cent of the Community is totally exempt from the levy.

Most of the exempt producers are in relatively well-off countries whereas there is not a single acre in Ireland exempt from the co-responsibility levy.

Would the Minister make a case to have the poorer areas included? Is he sure about this?

Of course I am sure.

Is the Minister only sure? Is he not certain? Does his left hand know what his right hand is doing?

I always do.

Does he know they had a series of meetings recently in Limerick of dissidents in the party?