Joe Walsh
Question:265 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the policies, if any, he will propose to the EU to facilitate the use of dormant milk quotas by new entrant younger farmers. [6913/97]
Written Answers. - Milk Quotas.
I assume the Deputy is referring to the reallocation of unused quotas. I recently announced the details of the 1997 milk quota restructuring scheme. In this context I have increased the amount of the restructured milk pool which must be set aside for new entrants to dairying. The definition of new entrants under the scheme has been expanded to include young produces who have acquired small quotas in recent years. I have also asked the Milk Quota Appeals Tribunal to address the situation of these recently entered small scale producers in so far as possible within the current year. The broader issue of providing quota to new entrants is an ongoing matter of discussion within the milk quota review group and I have accepted that group's recommendation in relation to this category for the coming year.