Smith predicts dairy export refunds will improve Ireland’s prospects

THE introduction of export refunds for certain dairy products will improve the prospects of Ireland and other European Union member states on world markets, Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith has predicted.

He welcomed the decision by the EU management committee at a meeting in Brussels yesterday to approve the re-introduction of export refunds for butter, butter oil, skimmed and whole milk powder, and cheese.

The European Commission said the decision was taken in response to the serious situation on the EU dairy market, caused by a recent sharp fall in producer prices.