(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Agriculture if he proposes to request termination of the milk co-responsibility levy particularly in view of the introduction of the super-levy.

This is obviously one of the options that I will be considering as part of my efforts to secure the best possible result for the Irish dairying industry in the 1986-87 price fixing negotiations. The Commission's proposals in regard to milk and other products are expected to be published within the next week or two. They will then be the subject of intensive negotiations in the Council of Ministers in the coming months.

(Limerick West): I am glad to note that that is one of the Minister's proposals. If the Minister is successful in this proposal what would it mean in terms of cash to the Irish dairy farmer?

That is a separate question. I have not that type of statistic at my fingertips but I can say that it will be of substantial benefit.

(Limerick West): Is the Minister fairly confident that he will be successful in his request to have the co-responsibility levy abolished in view of the imposition of the super-levy and of the imposition of a ceiling on milk production?

We shall have to await the outcome of the negotiations. I shall be trying very hard to ensure that they are abolished completely. I have here a supplementary note which states that in 1984-85 Ireland contributed over £30 million toward co-responsibility levies. That would answer the Deputy's initial question.

(Limerick West): Would the Minister have information as to what benefit accrued to this country as a result of the co-responsibility levy in that year?

We received promotional quality measures, £2.8 million.

(Limerick West): Is the Minister confident that the co-responsibility levy has now served its purpose, has outlived its usefulness?

Yes, we have always said that. We shall have to await the outcome of these negotiations to see whether it disappears finally.