Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 October 2025
150. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of farmer milk samples taken by his Department at milk processing plants in to date 2025; the number of samples tested in the same period that were outside the required standards for milk testing at processor level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52252/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy clarified that he was requesting data on samples the Department take to verify testing by milk purchasers for payment purposes. My Department does not take farmer milk samples for the purpose of verifying the accuracy of milk testing machines specifically for milk payments, and, has no role in monitoring milk payments.
However, my Department is responsible for verifying that the raw milk standards including TBC (total bacterial count) and SCC (somatic cell count) that are set out in EU regulations are being complied with. To do this my Department carries out official controls in milk testing laboratories to ensure the validity and accuracy of this testing.
