€13.5m bonus for co-ops

THE Irish Dairy Board paid member co-ops €13.5 million in bonuses in 2009 after selling €1.82 billion in Irish food products around the globe.

A 21% increase over the amount paid in 2008, the payout was comprised of a €6m cash bonus and €7.5m redeemable loan stock.

The board also allocated a further €6m to the annual bonus fund for member co-ops which can be redeemed from 2014.