asked the Minister for Agriculture if he can estimate if we will exceed our milk quota this year; if so, by how much; and if he can estimate the cost of this to the Irish dairy farmer.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Milk Quota.
1.
At this stage it is not possible to give a reliable estimate of final output for the year. Deliveries for the milk year to the end of January are estimated to be about 0.6 per cent above the quota.
In view of the present review in Europe is there likely to be a further reduction in the milk quota for this country? Considering that co-operatives are so efficient and computerised one would imagine that the figures would be more up-to-date where we would have even last week's figures available. Is the Minister far behind on the figures at present?
The figures that I have given the Deputy are for a ten month period, up to 1 February.
(Limerick West): Could the Minister give any advice at present to dairy farmers to ensure that our total milk yield by the end of the marketing year complies with EC regulations and the quota laid down by them? Furthermore, could the Minister indicate to the House whether he foresees any further reduction in our milk quota in connection with the proposed milk cessation scheme as outlined in the EC proposals?
The second supplementary question arises on a question further down the Order Paper.
Leave it until then.
As regards the first supplementary question, the Department of Agriculture put notices in the newspapers regularly advising people to be cautious not to exceed the quota.
(Limerick West): Could I ask the Minister does he see any way or means whereby new entrants can be facilitated other than by the flexi-milk scheme?
That seems to be another question.
That is a question that might be asked later but it is a matter which would depend largely on the introduction of a national milk cessation scheme.