asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the reduced price being paid by An Bord Bainne for cheddar cheese, he will consider giving aid for the private storage of cheddar, as such aid is being given in respect of other varieties of cheese at present.

15.

asked the Minister for Agriculture the position regarding the payment of aids for the private storage of cheddar cheese in view of the fact that New Zealand can export into the EEC under the 1980 GATT, that the only market for cheddar cheese is the UK and that aids for private storage are now available for other cheeses, for example gruyere.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 15 together.

I have been pressing the EEC Commission, by which body any such aid would have to be paid, to introduce aid for the private storage of cheddar cheese. The Commission has not so far agreed to this but is to study current difficulties in the cheddar market.

I am disappointed that there are no supplementaries on those questions.

The Minister should not be provocative.

He is being childish which is even worse.

There are times when one would think one was presiding over a kindergarten school.

(Limerick West): Has the Minister discussed this matter with the interests involved?

My Department continually discuss the problem with the interests concerned.

(Limerick West): Has the Minister any idea of when the discussions will end and of when we will get some action?

We are awaiting the outcome of the study of the European Commission. Such a study was promised in the course of recent negotiations on the price package but I cannot say how long it will take. As soon as I receive the report I will be consulting with the interests concerned.

(Limerick West): Has the Minister made any effort to encourage the termination of these studies?

The studies are only commencing. The question arose only at the price talks two or three weeks ago.

(Limerick West): In view of the dire situation being caused to the Irish dairy industry by the importation of this commodity and having regard also to the consequential losses involved, would the Minister be prepared to take the initiative in having these studies finalised?

I have indicated in my reply that I have been badgering the Commission to do something to aid the cheddar cheese industry in this country. I might point out that the concession within the terms of the GATT was given in 1980 when Fianna Fáil were in Government and that that is what is causing the industry considerable problems.

What were the people opposite doing for two years?

I have called Question No. 16.

(Limerick West): I thought you were allowing me a further supplementary.

We have moved on to the next question.