To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the European Commission on subsidies paid by the Irish Government to Irish milk producers. (110144)

The Irish Government has notified the European Commission of the subsides to the Irish dairy sector in line with its treaty obligations and has received state aid clearance. We therefore have no grounds to intervene with the Commission. Aid for investments in the processing and marketing of agricultural products are permitted under European Union rules providing they meet certain requirements.