Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 May 2001

Vol. 535 No. 5

Written Answers - Milk Quota.

Andrew Boylan

Question:

138 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when he intends to introduce a further scheme for the allocation of additional quota both on a temporary and on a permanent basis during the current milk quota year. [13095/01]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

On 2 May I announced details of the restructuring scheme and the first phase of the temporary leasing scheme for the current year. Notices in relation to both schemes will be published this week and full details will be sent to registered milk purchasers who operate these schemes.

In view of the quota difficulties arising for many producers from the foot and mouth disease restrictions, I am adopting a prudent approach on the definitive allocation of the 11.5 million gallons of additional quota under Agenda 2000, which is available from 1 April 2001. My Department is preparing a scheme which will make quota available on a temporary basis to certain producers who find themselves under serious quota pressure as a result of the FMD restrictions on animal movement. As I announced last week, strict criteria will apply to these allocations.

I have decided to proceed with a permanent allocation of 1,300 gallons of quota to younger farmers from the Agenda 2000 quota. This will be allocated to producers who benefited from the five million gallons scheme which operated last year and will bring the total allocation of the majority in this group of producers up to 3,000 gallons each from the Agenda 2000 agreement.

The permanent allocation of the remainder of the 11.5 million gallons will be made when I have completed legal consultations on the possibilities open to me. I am looking, in that context, at what can be done for certain categories of development farmers.