asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is satisfied that the EEC school milk scheme is being fully availed of; if not, if he intends to improve the implementation of the scheme; the present consumption in schools; and its percentage of the projected total.

This is a voluntary scheme and schools cannot be compelled to use it. Increased participation depends largely on the efforts of dairies to induce schools to take part and in this connection the National Dairy Council is active in promoting the scheme.

In 1983 up to mid-June subsidy was paid on 1.37 million gallons of milk supplied to schools. This represents over 40 per cent of the potential market.

Will the Minister advise his officials that teachers can play a vital role in increasing the sale of dairy products through the schools? The fact that the Minister states that only 40 per cent of the potential sales is being sold at the moment invites a criticism of the Department. The Minister says that it is not his Department's function, but I understand that his Department would have some part to play in this.

The National Dairy Council are the people who are promoting the scheme. As I say, it is a voluntary scheme, but certainly 40 per cent is very low, considering the benefits which accrue from it. It is purely up to the schools and the teachers to avail of this benefit.