Ned O'Keeffe
Question:241 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when payment of a dormant milk quota will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [23854/01]
Written Answers. - Milk Quota.
Where a milk producer does not utilise at least 70% of his-her quota by making deliveries to a purchaser or under a temporary leasing scheme, the European Communities (Milk Quota) Regulations, 2000, provide that all or part of the unused quantity may be added to the national reserve. There is no question of any payment where such quota is added to the reserve.
The person named had an available quota of 59,172 litres – 13,016 gallons – in the milk quota year ended 31 March 2001. He utilised 27,058 litres – 5,952 gallons – that is, less than 70% of his quota, by way of deliveries and did not lease any quota into the temporary leasing pool. In accordance with the regulations the person named was notified by registered post on 18 July 2001 of the Department's proposal to add all or part of his quota to the national reserve and was invited to submit written observations in the matter. These observations have now been received and are under consideration in the Department. The person named will be informed of the decision as soon as possible.
In the event of part of the named person's milk quota being added to the national reserve, the regulations specifically provide, however, that should the person in question propose to increase milk production he may apply for the return of that portion of his quota which was declared dormant.